Fifteen local companies were recognized at the YMCA’s 7th Annual Workplace Wellness Awards, sponsored by the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. at Parkview Field on October 1, 2015.
The awards, which recognize employers who create healthier workplaces for employees, are based on the National YMCA’s Community Healthy Living Index, which is an assessment of a workplace’s physical environment, physical activity opportunities, health promotional efforts, healthy eating options and company policies. Each company was given an index score that marked their placement along the workplace wellness continuum.
Wendy Spitznagel, Director of Health Initiatives for the YMCA said, “Many health problems can be traced back to the lack of physical activity and poor eating habits. Our Workplace Wellness Awards give recognition to those employers who are determined, as we are at the Y, to support people in making healthier lifestyle decisions.”
Allen County Public Library, BAE Systems, Brooks Construction, Fort Wayne Metals, Raytheon and Shindigz were honored at the highest level, the Platinum Award, for their comprehensive approach including a wide variety of on-site programs along with policies which support the continuation of healthy lifestyles for its employees.
Gold Level companies, including Ashley Industrial Molding, Five Star Distributing, Lutheran Life Villages, Micropulse, Regal America, STAR Financial Group, Ultra Electronics-USSI and Weigand Construction, were recognized for their workplace wellness programs that had shown visible results.
The City of Columbia City was recognized with the Silver Level for workplace wellness for offering regular opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices.
This year five companies demonstrated exceptional programs and environments and were also honored in the following categories: Rising Star went to the City of Columbia City; Most Employee Engagement went to Ashley Industrial Molding; Most Strategic Initiative went to Weigand Construction; Most Wellness Impact went to BAE Systems; Most Innovative Program went to Raytheon Corporation.
For more information about the YMCA’s Workplace Wellness Awards, Workplace Wellness Assessment tools or corporate wellness programs, contact Wendy Spitznagel, Director of Health Initiatives, at wendy_spitznagel@fwymca.org or 918-2148.
