Gov. Heineman Announces Award to Recognize
Workplace Wellness Efforts in Nebraska

(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced the creation of a new award to encourage businesses in Nebraska to recognize the successful efforts of employers who promote workplace wellness. Companies and organizations with employee wellness programs are invited to apply for the Governor’s Award of Excellence in Wellness.

“This recognition program is a way to encourage more employers to take workplaces wellness seriously,” Gov. Heineman said. “Organizations that help employees lead healthier lives see real benefits in the form of increased productivity and greater employee satisfaction. The excellence in wellness award will help identify successful programs that can serve as models for others. By putting an emphasis on worksite wellness, individual employees can take steps to become healthier while also helping employers manage healthcare costs.”

The Governor’s Award of Excellence in Wellness is divided into two categories. The Sower’s Award is intended to recognize organizations that have developed quality wellness programs. The Grower’s Award will honor the accomplishments of businesses and organizations demonstrating significant improvement in employee health behaviors.

Application information is available on the state website, http://www.Nebraska.gov. Applications are due by May 1. The first recipients of the Governor’s award will be honored this summer.

The excellence in wellness award was created to encourage employers to take part in an established wellness programs or those who’ve developed their own successful models.

Nebraska was one of several states to receive funding from the National Governors Association in recent years to begin an employee wellness program for state workers. Those participating in the 2007 wellness challenge lost nearly 1,650 pounds combined.

The state used a program developed by the Nebraska Sports Council. The N-Lighten Nebraska challenge is open to any business or organization in the state. Nebraska workplaces can join state government in a new challenge for 2008, beginning Feb. 1 and running through May 1. More information is available online at http://www.N-LightenNebraska.com.