Wellness by Design Worksites Award Main Image

Wellness by Design Awards application period ends 

Applications for 2013 Wellness by Design Awards for excellence in promoting work site wellness ended on March 29. Winners of 2013 awards will be announced on this site following the Wellness by Design Awards awards breakfast on June 18 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. A total of 78 organizations in 2012 are among the more than 500 that have won Wellness by Design Awards since the program was introduced by Hennepin County in 2006. (See 2012 Wellness by Design Award Summaries and the listing of Wellness by Design Winners, 2006–2012.)  

  •  Do you support physical activity for your employees?

  •  Do you have healthy choices in your vending machines?

  •  Do you have a worksite tobacco policy?

If so, you may be eligible for a Wellness by Design Worksite Award. Worksites are recognized for accomplishments in each of these areas:

  •  Senior-level support
  •  Wellness infrastructure
  •  Assessment and evaluation
  •  Communications and engagement
  •  Programs and interventions
  •  Supportive environment

Wellness by Design Worksite Award winners find unique and innovative ways to ensure healthy work environments and encourage healthy employee lifestyles. 

Videos of past winners

The following are interviews with representatives from worksites that have won Wellness by Design Awards. They offer insights on how easy it is to apply and how their organizations have benefited.

Augsburg Fortress

  • Minneapolis-based publishing company (125 employees)
  • 111 signed up for the fitness challenge
  • 83 percent participated in the HRA
  • SharePoint Web site tracks participation
  • Stress cart, ergonomics

Bepex International LLC

  • Minneapolis machine manufacturer (50 employees)
  • Workout room created and walking routes posted
  • Employee-driven program with no budget
  • Culture survey done, and planning and programs based on the results

Cobb Strecker Dunphy & Zimmermann

  • Minneapolis insurance company (60 employees)
  • Containing health-care costs
  • Four-month campaign with physical activity, nutrition, stress and a combination 94 percent HRA participation
  • Lunch 'n Learn programs
  • Fitness center

Conwed Plastics

  • Minnesota-based plastics manufacturing company (300 employees)
  • Know Your Numbers campaign offers free medical testing to employees at all locations
  • Vending machine selections have stickers identifying healthier choices
  • Wellness newsletter for employees
  • Company-sponsored bike, walk, and run events

Courage Center

  • Golden Valley nonprofit rehabilitation center (700 employees)
  • Addresses health-care costs and planning based on assessment results
  • Incorporates exercise into the day and grounds (environment)

Data Recognition Corporation

  • Maple Grove (500 full-time employees, 2,500 seasonal)
  • Comprehensive integrated program with branding
  • 55 percent vending is healthy
  • 83 percent HRA participation
  • On-site WeightWatchers, gym and cafeteria; subsidized massage

Diversified Plastics, Inc.

  • Brooklyn Park manufacturer (50 employees)
  • Small, family-based culture where they suffered three heart attacks in employees
  • Exercise area with employee donated equipment, Leslie Sansone walking group weighing for the Biggest Loser on pallet scale

Greatbatch Medical

  • Medical device and development company (500 employees)
  • Wellness program incorporated into strategic plan
  • Bike to work program and designated walking paths
  • Workout facility with showers
  • Company-supported sporting events and challenges

Metropolitan Airports Commission

  • Bloomington-based public agency (465 employees)
  • 16-member wellness team and strong management support
  • Wellness integrated into organization
  • Ping-pong tournament, start walking, health fair, employee-paid yoga, reward program for exercise
      wellness and "green" focus as a recruitment tool allude to wellness policy

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