Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan received the Platinum-level Fit-Friendly Worksite award from the American Heart Association. This recognition places BCBSM in the highest category for workplaces offering programs that increase the health and wellness of employees. The Fit-Friendly Worksite program is a program that recognizes organizations that are catalysts for positive change in the workplace, recognizing employers that make the health and wellness of their employees a priority. The AHA guidelines for a Fit-Friendly workplace include:
- Increased healthy eating options at the worksite
- Demonstrating quantifiable, measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness
- Promoting a wellness culture
- Offers employees physical activity support at the worksite
BCBSM continues to be a leader in employee health and wellness initiatives, offering incentives to live and maintain healthy lifestyles and incorporating tools that integrate healthy living in the workplace. “BCBSM is committed to promoting a wellness culture for our employees by offering on-site exercises classes and healthy food options in our cafeterias and vending machines,” said Cathy Goheen, BCBSM vice president, Human Resources. “We have had 81 percent of our employees register for the company-sponsored walking program since it launched in 2011, and that group averages almost 7,000 steps per day (equivalent to about three miles). This platinum level recognition from the American Heart Association is evidence that we are leaders in improving the health of our region.” BCBSM established its BWell program in 2011 to incentivize employees to take charge of their health by giving employees options and incentives that motivate and encourage them to make healthy choices. The BWell program offers healthy options in the cafeterias that are not only a better choice for a healthy lifestyle but a better financial choice as well. The Walking Spree program is another incentivized, motivational health initiative that encourages Blues’ employees and their families to meet daily step goals. In May, Blue Cross continues to encourage employees to focus on health and wellness, on May 2, BCBSM employees across the state walked during lunch in their respective communities for National Walk at Lunch Day. On May 7, Walk the RiverWalk Wednesdays begins; employees will be encouraged to spend their lunch breaks walking along the riverfront every Wednesday for 16 weeks. Employees can check-in through the WalkingWorks portal to receive Blue Cross branded gifts, for every third check-in. Employee health and wellness does not end in May but continues with programs like the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Riverfront Run/Walk on June 14, along with weekly fitness classes that begin in August. Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan
