

Health-related policies are formal, written statements that are designed to protect or promote employee health, such as a tobacco-free policy or policy allowing employees to engage in wellness activities on work time.įor more information on the Missouri Workplace Wellness Award program, visit the program’s website. The program recognizes employers with policies supportive of employee health and wellness. The program aims to bring an increased awareness about the importance of worksite wellness for employees. The Missouri Workplace Wellness Award is a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) and the University of Missouri Extension. I’ve participated in several of the mindfulness retreats that Freeman has sponsored, and I am an active participant in the Yin Yoga classes.” I use this technique if I am feeling anxious or frustrated, and I find that it really allows me to center myself. I use the Breathe© technique daily to do a self-check-in, just to see how I am feeling in the moment. I really believe in the CALM campaign that Freeman has. “Another one of my goals is being my mindful in what I do. But it is not the primary reason she participates. “The insurance premium discount we get each pay period is pretty awesome!” said Bitticks. The program also offers an insurance premium discount for employees who earn the required wellness points. Logging my activity each week on the Strides physical activity tracker helps me measure my progress and stay motivated.”įreeman’s program includes subscriptions to online self-help tutorials on activities including meditation and mindfulness, healthy eating and fitness strategies. The dashboard offers different types of exercise videos, walking maps, hiking tips, stretches and exercises you can do at your desk to help increase activity. “I’ve utilized the Wellness Dashboard a lot to help with this goal.

“One of my goals is to be more active,” said Bitticks. Most adults spend at least 1/3 of their day at work, so it’s important there are healthy opportunities and choices in the workplace. Topics covered in worksite wellness generally focus on chronic disease prevention (like heart disease, diabetes and cancer) and target changes that make it easier to be physically active, eat healthy, and improve spiritual, emotional and social wellbeing. “I’ve made some great friendships through this program, and I am very grateful that Freeman offers this program for its employees.” “The WellBalance program has helped me to be more productive and boosted my self-confidence and self-esteem,” said Bitticks. “I feel very fortunate to work for an organization that created a program to assist its employees on their wellness journey.” Bitticks has been part of the WellBalance program since it was first offered and now even acts as wellness champion, one of 120 staff system-wide who share wellness opportunities and encourage other employees to take part. “I believe self-care is very important, especially now given the pandemic and the world in which we currently live,” said Rhonda Bitticks, Freeman Patient Accounts Support Coordinator.

Many studies have also shown improved employee job satisfaction. Without a dedicated and healthy staff, Freeman wouldn’t be able to take care of the communities we serve, and we’re grateful for this recognition from MOCAN.”Įmployers that provide wellness accommodations report higher employee retention, lower absenteeism and fewer who work while sick, higher morale, greater productivity, a safer work environment and reduced health care costs. “WellBalance also includes a mindfulness program that helps with stress management and an app called myStrenth for personalized support for mental wellness. “We provide incentives for getting regular health screenings and visiting primary care doctors, specialists and dentists,” Baker added. “Through this voluntary wellness program, our employees find opportunities for both education and physical activities, like walking, running and yoga.”įreeman takes a holistic approach to the health of employees, giving them the tools they need to achieve their wellness goals. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud of our WellBalance team for helping our staff become the best they can be,” said Paula F. Our Freeman WellBalance program inspires total well-being by creating opportunities and encouraging our employees to improve and maintain their quality of life.” “It’s an honor to earn this distinction,” said Freeman Wellness Coordinator Kris Drake, RN, CHPD. Joplin, Mo – Freeman Health System is a proud recipient of the Missouri Platinum Level Workplace Wellness Award for its worksite wellness program designed to improve quality of life for employees.
