American Water announced that it is one of the winners in the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Healthiest Employers Awards. This marks the third consecutive year the company has been recognized for leading the way in workplace wellness in the Greater Philadelphia region.
American Water launched its official health and wellness program, Healthy Solutions, to employees nationwide in July 2010. The program includes access to a dedicated website, on which employees and their families can participate in a free, confidential health assessment, as well as get tools and tips about health, fitness, stress management and weight management. The program offers an annual biometric screening, scheduled wellness challenges throughout the year, and access to customized healthy living coaching programs including personal health coaches, as well as financial incentives and other rewards to employees for participation.
The first year engagement rate was 55%, while during year two, 68% of employees were engaged in the program. In addition, an increased number of family members are participating and eligible to receive prizes.
“This is a great honor and we are so proud that our focus on the health and wellness of our employees and their families is being recognized. We strive to integrate our health and wellness program in every facet of the business to encourage a culture of good health at American Water,” said Peg Fenner-Gulledge, health and wellness manager at American Water. “By giving our employees the tools to be healthier, we’re building a more productive work force and healthy work environment, as well as helping to manage our increasing health care expenses.”
The Healthiest Employers Awards program recognizes organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region that are committed to creating a healthy workplace. The award utilizes an online assessment tool that measures employee wellness programs in six key categories, including culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication, programming, and reporting and analysis. Answers to the assessment are scored and companies are automatically ranked. The highest-ranking winner in each category (based on number of employees) will be announced at a ceremony in May.
Source: American Water
