Ohio University was recognized as a Healthy Worksite during a recent Healthy Business Council of Ohio (HBCO) Healthy Worksite awards presentation. In total, 73 Ohio employers were recognized in nine categories. OHIO received the honor of a “Silver” award winner in the “Large Business” category.
These awards recognize Ohio employers who demonstrate a commitment to employee wellness through comprehensive worksite health promotion and wellness programs. Applicants are scored on the extent their wellness programs facilitate and encourage employee health, enhance productivity and ensure a healthy work environment.
We are excited that the University has been recognized for its investment in employee health and well-being,” stated Greg Fialko after the awards ceremony. “We would like to thank Jenn Bennett and the WellWorks team for their outstanding efforts to provide a variety of resources and programming that enhance the experiences of our faculty, staff and their family members at Ohio University.”
OHIO’s employee wellness program, Healthy OHIO, which is managed by WellWorks, was highlighted in the University’s application. Healthy OHIO is an umbrella program that houses two rewards initiatives: an online/mobile wellness platform called Virgin Pulse and biometric health screenings.
“Healthy OHIO is a well-established, benchmark program for Ohio University employees’ wellness,” said Jenn Bennett, director of WellWorks. “With the addition of Virgin Pulse in 2017, WellWorks can support more employees and their spouses/partners in a personal way that expands beyond their physical health. Support and accountability have significant and lasting impact on a person’s ability to enhance their life.”
Additional programming available to University employees that was addressed in the application includes, but is not limited to: the existence of an on-site fitness facility; tobacco cessation programming; the Risk Reduction program; Employee Assistance Program; lactation policy and rooms; meditation rooms; a comprehensive benefits package, and; wellness policies such as the University’s Flexible Work Schedule, Flexible Hours, and Flexplace for Administrators Policy (Policy 40.063).
According to the HBCO, all worksites, large and small, public and private, for profit and nonprofit, are eligible to apply for the Healthy Worksite Award. All applications were reviewed and evaluated using objective criteria. Three levels of achievement were awarded — Gold, Silver and Bronze. Other applicants, who meet basic criteria, received a Recognition award. Increasing the number of worksites receiving awards is an objective in “Ohio’s Plan to Prevent and Reduce Chronic Disease: 2014-2018,” an objective being led by HBCO.