WEST CHESTER, PA — In a testament to its steadfast commitment to employee health and well-being, the Chester County Government has been awarded Platinum recognition by the American Heart Association (AHA) for the second year running. The accolade puts the County in the top eight percent of 492 participating organizations across the nation, highlighting its dedication to fostering a healthy workplace.
Upon receiving the news, Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Josh Maxwell expressed pride in the achievement. He emphasized the importance of the physical and mental health of the County’s approximately 2,600 employees to the overall health of the organization.
“National recognition that values the importance of our employees’ physical and mental health is a tremendous accomplishment that we are very proud of,” said Maxwell. “We will continue to support the health of our workforce by listening to our employees, exploring new wellness options, and partnering with them to live healthy lives.”
The AHA’s Workforce Well-Being Scorecard was developed in collaboration with industry experts as a tool to help employers create a science-backed, employee-centric culture of health and well-being. Such a culture is crucial to employee engagement, retention, and productivity.
The success of Chester County’s Wellness Program, which was initiated in 2007, is a prime example of the benefits of such an approach. The program, which includes incentives, rewards, and classes, boasts a participation rate of 75 percent among employees.
County Commissioner Marion Moskowitz highlighted the impact of the program, both on employee well-being and healthcare costs. “The proven success of our wellness program helps to control the ever-increasing cost of healthcare benefits,” she said.
The AHA particularly praised Chester County’s walking and financial wellness programs, which contributed to the County’s Platinum status.
County Commissioner Eric Roe acknowledged the role of the Human Resources staff in achieving this recognition. “We thank our Human Resources staff for their continued dedication to building a culture of health and well-being for all our employees,” he said. “It’s another reason Chester County Government is a top employer in the county.”
This recognition spotlights the importance of prioritizing employee health and well-being. Chester County Government’s success in this arena serves as a model for other employers, demonstrating that a commitment to employee wellness can yield positive results for both staff and the organization. As the County continues to implement and expand its wellness initiatives, it sets a high standard for workplaces across the nation.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.