VOORHEES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, has announced that it is one of the winners in the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Healthiest Employers Awards. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has been recognized for leading the way in workplace wellness in the Greater Philadelphia region.
“We're honored to receive this award for the fourth year in a row, especially among so many other great companies; but the biggest compliment is knowing our employees and their families are living healthier and safer lifestyles,” said Peg Fenner-Gulledge, Health & Wellness Manager at American Water. “Since launching the program, we’ve received feedback showing employees are making healthy adjustments and sticking to those changes. The enthusiasm our employees show for this program is amazing and I am proud of them for embracing healthy living.”
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.
American Water also recognizes the natural link between safety and wellness services. New this year, the company introduced some Healthy Solutions activities with a definite safety theme. For example, the “Choose Safety Challenge” reminds employees that by exercising regularly, they build stronger muscles and increase flexibility, thus keeping them safe by decreasing risk of injury. Employees receive safety pedometers that are equipped with a siren and flashlight.
“Healthy habits not only improve well-being but also help avoid injury at home and work,” noted Fenner-Gulledge.
After three years, 56 percent of employees are engaged in the program, well within the Wellness Council of America’s best-in-class range of 50-60 percent. In addition, an increased number of family members are participating and eligible to receive prizes. In 2013, the company expanded its Healthy Solutions social media to include Mya, a free mobile application, which enables participants to track health challenge points on-the-go. Mya also allows those enrolled in the diabetes condition management program to easily keep track of their laboratory results and doctors’ appointments.
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 June.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.
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