Scientific, evidenced-based instrument rates workplace health programs and workforce heart health
The 2017 results of the American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index were recently announced, and Kent State achieved silver-level recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace.
The American Heart Association created the index with its CEO Roundtable members, a leadership collaborative of more than 30 CEOs from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The index uses science-based best practices to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of their workplace health programs. A unique feature of the index is that it calculates an average heart health score for employees of participating employers who securely submit aggregate health data.
More than 800 companies completed the index assessment this year, and of those companies, 67 percent received either Gold, Silver or Bronze recognition. Companies receive benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify potential areas of improvement so that they can advance their annual performance and recognition.
“We are excited to accept the recognition of the American Heart Association as recipient of the Workplace Health Achievement award,” said F. Jack Witt, Kent State’s vice president for human resources. “This is yet another indication of the vibrant and far-reaching wellness programs that have been established at Kent State. Not only are the wellness opportunities at the university many, participation has grown to where thousands of faculty and staff employees are participating in several of the program offerings each year.”
The association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index allows companies to measure the effectiveness of their workplace health programs, as well as the overall heart health of their employees. Unlike other existing organizational scorecards, the index also scores companies on the heart health of their employees based on Life’s Simple 7® – the association’s scientifically validated definition of ideal heart health.
“I think it goes without saying that we are thrilled to accept this recognition and honor by the American Heart Association,” said Kim Hauge, Kent State’s director of employee wellness. “Providing a comprehensive and quality program that is measurable in terms of its ability to promote healthier, longer and more productive lives is of extreme importance.
“We feel that we have built such a program here at Kent State, and this has been validated by the American Heart Association,” she continued. “In addition, the index provides us with data that shows us how we can continue to improve. Continuous improvement is important to us as our overarching goal is to support our employees and build an environment where they may continue to thrive and be their best selves at work, home and within their communities, for many years to come.”
The American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index assessment is grounded in data-driven science and a quality improvement framework. According to the Nielsen 2016 Employee Health Survey, robust and comprehensive strategies for well-being are associated with positive impacts on employees’ health.
For more information about the American Heart Association’s 2017 Workplace Health Achievement Recognitions, visit www.heart.org/WHSrecognitions.
For more information about Kent State’s workplace wellness program, visit www.kent.edu/hr/benefits/wellness.
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Media Contacts:
Kim Hauge, khauge@kent.edu, 330-672-7505
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595