STE. GENEVIEVE – Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital (SGCMH) joined a growing number of Missouri businesses by becoming an awardee of the Missouri Platinum Level Workplace Wellness Award. Along with other employers, SGCMH proactively assist employees who choose to make healthier life decisions. Wellness incentives are provided to help them make the healthy choice an easy one. Employers who provide these supports see a positive impact on their business’s bottom line and other advantages.
“We want our employees to know that we support their decision to make healthy choices,” said Dr. Steve Pautler. “We are extremely pleased to be designated as a Missouri Workplace Wellness Platinum Level awardee.”
Businesses that promote wellness incentives report higher employee retention, lower absenteeism and presenteeism, higher morale, greater productivity, a safer work environment, and reduced health care costs. Many studies have also shown improved employee job satisfaction.
“Worksite wellness programs are a growing trend in businesses today focusing on multiple levels of well-being as a means of improving quality of life for employees,” said Sarah Jo Kelley, Executive Director of Human Resources and Support Services. “Here at the hospital we are seeing an increase in employees participating in our wellness program.”
Health topics covered in worksite wellness generally focus on chronic disease prevention (like heart disease, diabetes, cancer) and target changes that make it easier to be physically active, eat healthy, and improve spiritual, emotional, and social wellbeing. 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.
The award was presented to the hospital by Estrella Carmona, County Engagement Specialist, UM Extension office. Accepting the award on the hospital’s behalf included Dr. Steve Pautler, SGCMH CEO, Mary Bleckler, SGCMH Community Champion and Sarah Jo Kelley, SGCMH Executive Director, HR and Support Services.
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. The program aims to bring increased awareness about the importance of worksite wellness for employees. The program recognizes employers with policies supportive of employee health and wellness. 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.
Missouri Workplace Wellness Award recipients represent a wide range of employment sectors, settings and worksite sizes. To receive the Missouri Workplace Wellness Award, an employer must submit an application to the University of Missouri Extension. Application materials can be found at https://extension2.missouri.edu/programs/workplace-wellness. A listing of recognized businesses is available on the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services website, https://health.mo.gov/living/wellness/worksitewellness/index.php.
For more information on the Missouri Workplace Wellness Award program, visit the program’s website, https://extension2.missouri.edu/programs/workplace-wellness.
Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital is a nonprofit county owned community hospital that works to continue to improve the health and well-being of the community. Our professional staff uses advanced technology and medicine to provide excellent, personalized, and compassionate healthcare. For more information on Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, visit stegenevievehospital.org.