Enhancing Space into Year-Round Fresh Food Production and Employee Engagement at Labcorp in Madison, WI

Industry

Technology

Challenge

Identify a scalable, low maintenance solution that could consistently support employee wellness, increase engagement, and contribute to Labcorp's sustainability goals throughout the year.

Results

Labcorp installed a Flex Farm from Fork Farms, bringing fresh food production directly into the workplace.

Key Product

Flex Farm

www.labcorp.com/biopharma/nonclinical/locations/madison

300 lbs

Fresh Food Produced Annually

Daily

Fresh Food Production

20 +

Engaged Employees Monthly

The Flex Farm has had a meaningful impact on our employee experience by creating opportunities for people to connect, learn, and contribute to something tangible together. From harvesting fresh produce to participating in wellness activities, employees are building stronger relationships while supporting a sustainable initiative that aligns with our environmental and wellness goals.

Ashley Weiser

Director, Environmental Health & Safety

About your Customer

Labcorp's Madison campus previously operated a raised bed garden program to support employee wellness and sustainability efforts. Over time, the garden's productivity declined and participation decreased, reducing its overall impact. The site presented an opportunity to reintroduce a more effective approach that could better align with employee interests and organizational sustainability objectives.

The Challenge

Identify a scalable, low maintenance solution that could consistently support employee wellness, increase engagement, and contribute to Labcorp's sustainability goals throughout the year.

The Solution

Labcorp installed a Flex Farm from Fork Farms, bringing fresh food production directly into the workplace. The indoor hydroponic growing system allows employees to grow, harvest, and enjoy fresh produce throughout the year while creating opportunities for collaboration, wellness, and sustainability engagement.

Approximately 20 employees actively participate in planting, maintaining, and harvesting produce each month. What began as a food-growing initiative has evolved into an employee engagement program that connects staff around shared experiences and environmental stewardship.

Fresh produce grown on-site is regularly shared with employees, creating greater access to healthy food options while fostering a stronger connection to nutrition and wellness. The program aligns with Labcorp's sustainability initiatives by demonstrating a visible commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and employee well-being.

Employee Engagement Highlights

Earth Day Celebration
Employees gathered for a campus-wide Earth Day event featuring salads and toppings made with produce harvested directly from the Flex Farm, showcasing the impact of local food production within the workplace.

Recipe Sharing and Harvest Events
The site hosts educational activities such as a "DIY Chimichurri" event, where employees receive recipes and freshly harvested parsley. Lettuce harvests are regularly shared with employees on a first-come, first-served basis.

Take Your Child to Work Day
Children of employees participated in planting seeds in the Flex Farm. When the crops were ready, employees were invited to take home the harvested lettuce, creating a meaningful connection between the growing experience and the fresh harvest.

Impact & Outcome

- Produces 300+ pounds of fresh food annually (25+ pounds per harvest)
- Provides year-round fresh food production in the workplace
- Engages 20+ employees monthly through planting, harvesting, and wellness activities
- Supports employee wellness, healthy eating, and workplace engagement
- Strengthens team connections and company culture through shared experiences
- Advances ESG and sustainability goals with a high-yield, low-impact growing solution
- Provides hands-on environmental education and sustainability engagement.