UNMC’s hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, is among the first companies ever to receive the Nebraska Governor’s Excellence in Wellness Award.
The award was created to recognize Nebraska employers that have developed successful models for encouraging wellness in the workplace.
At The Nebraska Medical Center, these programs include annual health screenings, onsite gyms and personal trainers, walking routes and the WELL Bucks reward program that gives participants prizes for eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and preventive care.
In its eight year, the wellness program at The Nebraska Medical Center has seen some very positive and very real results. From 2006-2008, there was a 58 percent increase in participation in the employee health screening. More employees are sticking with their wellness plans. In 2007, 66 percent of employees taking part in the health screening were repeat participants.
“Those numbers show us employees aren’t just participating in the program, they’re staying with it,” said Sarah Emanuel, manager of health promotions at The Nebraska Medical Center. “That demonstrates a real commitment to living a healthier life.”
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“This recognition from Gov. (Dave) Heineman is a great reflection on the wellness program and the people who take part in it.”
Support from company leaders is one of the factors considered for the award in addition to the design of the wellness plan, outcomes and benefits, assessment of employee needs and policies supporting healthy behaviors.
“Wellness programs empower employees to make good decisions about the health risk factors in their lives,” said Joann Schaefer, M.D., Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer. “They can help workers take action to avoid chronic illnesses that can adversely impact their health and affect their quality of life. We hope this award program will encourage more businesses to offer employee health and wellness programs.”
The Nebraska Medical Center is one of 38 companies statewide to receive the honor.