Scientific, evidenced-based instrument rates, recognizes workplace health programs and workforce heart health
FARMINGTON, Conn(December 3, 2020) – The American Heart Association gave ConnectiCare Gold Level recognition in their 2020 Workplace Health Achievement Index. for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace. In 2019 ConnectiCare also received the Gold Level recognition and was previously recognized from 2008 to 2016 by the American Heart Association in a retired award category “Fit Friendly Workplace.”
Staying true to their mission to create healthier futures, ConnectiCare has Live Life Well, a wellness program administered by WellSpark Health, that supports the physical, mental and financial health of its employees. The program offers health coaching, fitness classes, and wellbeing seminars. Among those programs is an annual Diabetes Prevention Program, which is certified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). In this program, coaches help employees at risk for diabetes meet healthy goals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Live Life Well has adapted to employees who are working from home, by offering virtual challenges and ways to connect with health advisors. Programs include daily e-Mindful sessions to help employees with mindfulness and a step-up challenge to get employees moving daily.
“WellSpark works directly alongside ConnectiCare’s employees to help them understand and solve issues- biological, psychological, and social- impacting their health and wellness.” Said Roberta Wachtelhausen, President of WellSpark. “ConnectiCare employees receive support that is tailored to fit their unique needs, increasing their likelihood of staying health, preventing disease, or self-managing their chronic condition.”
“At ConnectiCare, we are committed to the health and wellness of our employees,” Said, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Adele Balboni. “Investing in our employees’ overall health and wellbeing helps us maintain productivity, reduce absenteeism, and increase satisfaction and engagement.”
The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, created the Index with its CEO Roundtable, a leadership collaborative of more than 45 members from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The Index is a web-based scorecard that looks at organizational best practices and aggregates employee health data to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of workplace health programs. Studies show that worksites with a culture of health with comprehensive, evidence-based policies and programs, and senior leadership support are more likely to have engaged employees and a healthier, more productive workforce.
A unique feature of the Index is that it calculates an average heart health score for employees of participating companies that securely submit aggregate health data through Life’s Simple 7®,the American Heart Association’s definition of ideal cardiovascular health based on seven risk factors. Life’s Simple 7® includes smoking status, physical activity, weight, diet, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure. Companies receive benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify potential areas of improvement so that they can advance their annual performance and recognition.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.