UNMC recently received the Gold Well Workplace Award from the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) and the distinction of being one of America’s healthiest companies.
“By successfully meeting rigorous health promotion standards, you have clearly demonstrated your commitment to improving the health and well-being of your most valuable asset — your employees,” said David Hunnicutt, Ph.D., WELCOA president.”
WELCOM promotes healthy lifestyles for everyone in the community, primarily through health promotion activities at the worksite. The organization’s annual award recognizes companies on four levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum.
“It’s a very important award because at the Gold Level health and well-being starts to become part of the culture of the organization,” said Howie Halperin, executive director of the Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM). “Over the years, UNMC has moved its way up the ladder from bronze to silver to gold.”
UNMC periodically conducts random assessments to gather information about the population’s interests and needs, said Jayme Nekuda, manager, Health Promotion & Center for Healthy Living. Based on survey feedback, programs are developed, implemented, evaluated and refined. In the past, she said, such health promotion programs have dealt with physical fitness, nutrition, weight management, stress management and smoking cessation.
“UNMC should be extremely proud of this Well Workplace designation,” Nekuda said. “The award says the organization cares enough about its employees to assist them in improving their overall health which, not only, raises their quality of life but also improves the culture for UNMC.”