Gov. Heineman to Honor First Recipients of Governor’s Workplace Wellness Award

(Lincoln, Neb.) Photos - Gov. Dave Heineman announced the state’s first recipients of the Governor’s Excellence in Wellness Awards, which will honor 38 Nebraska employers for successful efforts in promoting workplace wellness. (Complete list of Wellness Award winners - PDF)

“These awards recognize employers for their serious commitment to employee well-being,” Gov. Heineman said. “Prevention and wellness efforts in the workplace have produced higher productivity, better employee satisfaction and helped control health care costs. We know that wellness works every time. These programs are helping more Nebraskans lead healthier lives.”

The award was created to recognize Nebraska employers that have developed successful models for encouraging wellness in the workplace. Lincoln and Omaha area businesses will be honored at a luncheon being held today. Businesses in greater Nebraska will be recognized during an event in Kearney scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Factors considered for the award included the level of support for the program by company leaders, assessment of employee needs, wellness plan design, outcomes and benefits, and policies supporting healthy behaviors.

Dr. Joann Schaefer, Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer, said, “Wellness programs empower employees to make good decisions about the health risk factors in their lives. 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.”

Nebraska’s workplace wellness program offers two categories. The Grower award division honors businesses and organizations demonstrating significant improvement in employee health behaviors, while the Sower award division recognizes workplaces with quality wellness programs. Wellness programs generally include health education and screenings for employees and opportunities for exercise.

Businesses receiving Nebraska’s first Grower awards include: Associated Staffing Inc., Assurity Life Insurance Co., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, Duncan Aviation, First National Bank , First National Credit Card Center, Greater Omaha Packing Co., Inc., HealthServicesOne, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., the Kearney Hub, Lincoln Industries, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, Mutual of Omaha, NEBCO, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Nelnet, Parker Hannifin, Physicians Mutual, Professional Veterinary Products, Providence Medical Center, Talent Plus, The Nebraska Medical Center, Union Bank and Trust, Union Pacific Railroad, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Sower award recipients include: American Title Inc., Behlen Manufacturing Co., C&A Industries, the City of Lincoln, Conductix-Wampfler, Inc., Cornhusker Bank, E&A Consulting Group, Inc., Franciscan Care Services, Hastings College, Oriental Trading Company, Inc., Region 3 Behavioral Health Services, Square D Co., and Tabitha Health Care.

Nebraska businesses can apply for one of the Governor’s Excellence in Wellness Awards online. Application information is available on the state website, http://www.Nebraska.gov. Awards will be presented annually. The program is a partnership of the Office of the Governor, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Nebraska Sports Council, and WorkWell, Inc.