Employee wellness program receives national recognition

The West Virginia University Division of Human Resources Employee Wellness Program has been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association as a Start! Fit-Friendly Company.

The WVU Employee Wellness program is committed to supporting employee health by coordinating campus-wide wellness activities and educating faculty and staff on the health resources available to them.

"So much is being done on our campus and in our community to contribute to the health and well-being of our employees, so I strive to make our employees aware of all of these wonderful resources," said WVU wellness program manager Kimberly Zaph.

The Start! Fit-Friendly Program has been designed by the AHA as a catalyst for a health and wellness concentrated change in American businesses.

"In order to achieve recognition, companies must demonstrate leadership commitment, achieve specified goals and be approved by the American heart Association Volunteer Panel," Zaph said.

WVU's Employee Wellness Program was able to attain Gold Level recognition through various initiatives to promote physical activity and encourage programs that offer resources to faculty and staff to make wellness-conscious lifestyle changes.

Receiving recognition from the AHA emphasizes the University's priority on health and wellness throughout West Virginia, Zaph said.

As a part of the WVU 2020 Strategic Plan for the Future, a goal was set to enhance the health, wellness, quality of life and well-being of people throughout the state, she said.

"As we move forward in 2012, I am grateful for the commitment on the part of WVU to contribute to the work-life balance and the well-being of our employees and our students," Zaph said.

Upon achieving a gold level recognition, the Employee Wellness Program received access to online programs and various materials that will promote and educate company wellness programs to employees.

Zaph said she hopes to use the new resources to continue striving toward a wellness-conscious University.

"I will continue to build bridges among the many departments and units of the University – helping to spread the successful efforts WVU already has in place to a wider group of people," she said.