Educational Service Unit 8 Recognized With Wellness Award

The Educational Service Unit 8 was recently one of 38 Nebraska employers honored for their wellness efforts. ESU 8 was presented the 2018 Grower Award for large employers at the 16th Annual Safety and Wellness Conference in Kearney on September 27.

Click here to watch the ESU 8 Grower Award video. (Begins at :35)
 
This is the third time ESU 8 has received a Governor’s Wellness Award. They received the Sower Award in 2012 and the Grower Award in 2015. The Sower Award recognizes workplaces that have established quality wellness programs; and the Grower Award honors businesses and organizations demonstrating significant improvement in employee health behaviors. The Grower Award rewards businesses for changing health behaviors.
 
ESU 8 employees have maintained strong participation in the Educators Health Alliance (EHA) Wellness Program over the past seven years. More than 70 percent of the ESU 8 employees participate in annual Personal Health Assessments, a survey that provides a full report on current health status. A majority of the employees also participate in bi-monthly EHA wellness programs. Last year’s programs included Healthy Lunch Club, Project Zero, Mind Body Spirit, Indy 500, and Organize & Rejuvenate. Many employees also participate in four year-round challenges: Exercise for Energy, Eat for Health, Sleep for Success, and Hydrate for Power. Additionally, employees volunteered at Mercy Meals and packaged 3,672 meals last spring. ESU 8 also promotes wellness for their students at the ESU 8 Learning Centers in Neligh, Norfolk, and O’Neill.
 
“Worksite wellness provides an opportunity for Nebraskans to live healthy lives, improve quality of life, and help grow a healthier Nebraska for the next generation,” Governor Pete Ricketts said.
 
A spokesperson with the Department of Health and Human Services agreed.

“These businesses have internalized the mission that we here at DHHS live by.  In their workplace policies, they are helping Nebraskans live better lives,” said Judy Martin, Deputy Director of Community and Environmental Health for DHHS.  “Employees clearly benefit from worksite wellness programs and recent health-related outcomes have been significant. In this past year, award recipients increased the percentage of people meeting Surgeon General Guidelines for Physical Activity by more than 25 percent, reduced tobacco use by 12 percent, and decreased obesity by five percent.  This great work also continues to help manage stress and improve the culture within these organizations.”
 
This year marks the 11th year recognizing businesses that dedicate leadership, resources, and time to wellness efforts in the workplace. Each applicant must provide information in the areas of leadership, data collection, intervention strategies, policy/environment support, and evaluation of outcomes.
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Awards are presented annually and are good for three years.  The award program is a partnership between the Governor’s Office, DHHS, and the Nebraska Safety Council/WorkWell.  For employers interested in starting a wellness program or enhancing an existing one, contact WorkWell to be directed to a wellness council in your area: (402) 483-2511 ext. 109.