UnitedHealthcare Honors Employers for Outstanding Worksite Wellness Programs

UnitedHealthcare has presented 16 organizations with the “Well Deserved” award for 2012, an annual honor given to employers who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to helping their employees improve their health and well-being by investing in worksite wellness programs.

Among the 2012 winners, five organizations have won the “Well Deserved” award three times. In recognition of these organizations’ long-term commitment to employee health and well-being, UnitedHealthcare presented them with a Leadership Award to honor this multiyear distinction. Leadership Award winners include:

• City of Arlington, Texas
• City of Austin, Texas
• Shamrock Foods Company, Phoenix, Ariz.
• State of Rhode Island
• Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Austin, Texas

Four organizations have won the “Well Deserved” award twice and were presented with a Golden Apple Award:

• Adams County Government, Brighton, Colo.  
• City of Dublin, Ohio
• GTECH Corp., Providence, R.I.
• NCH Corporation, Irving, Texas

Other “Well Deserved” award winners were:

• City of Columbus, Ohio
• City of Milwaukee, Wis.
• Creighton University, Omaha, Neb.
• Narragansett Bay Commission, Providence, R.I.
• Pinellas County Government, Clearwater, Fla.
• Sally Beauty Holdings LLC, Denton, Texas
• The School District of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Chronic diseases – such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and arthritis – are among the most common, costly and preventable health problems. The use of effective workplace programs and policies may reduce health risks and improve the quality of life for millions of people across the United States, while reducing health care costs to individuals and employers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More businesses are adopting wellness programs as a way to help improve employee health and productivity, reduce absenteeism, build a culture of health within their organization and better manage health care costs. Wellness Councils of America estimates that a $1 investment in a comprehensive wellness program saves an average of $3 to $5 in health care costs.

“This year’s ‘Well Deserved’ award winners are leaders in improving the health of their employees and their families while reducing health care costs,” said Carol Calvin, RN, MS, CPQH, national director of UnitedHealthcare Health and Wellness. “These employers are empowering their employees to make positive health care decisions by providing innovative and creative ways to encourage a healthy lifestyle. It’s an honor to recognize their notable achievements.”

The “Well Deserved” award program was designed to recognize employer customers that have implemented successful wellness programs and to reinforce UnitedHealthcare’s mission of helping people live healthier lives.An external broker review panel reviewed and judged the applicants.