For the second consecutive year, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) received Platinum level recognition from the statewide Healthy Arizona Worksite Program for demonstrating data-driven programming and improving health, well-being, and equity in the workplace. The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award recognizes employers that are making efforts to positively affect the health and well-being of their employees, their families and their community by implementing comprehensive worksite wellness strategies.
“At AHCCCS, we emphasize whole person health as much for our employees as we do for the 1.9 million members we serve,” said Jami Snyder, AHCCCS director. “The Platinum Award from Healthy Arizona Worksites illustrates our commitment to employee health and wellness and work/life balance.”
The AHCCCS Healthy Living Program for employees, now in its third year, encourages fitness and exercise, general nutrition, knowledge and education, and awareness of whole body health. Regularly-scheduled physical activities include chair yoga, mindful meditation, Fitness Fridays walking groups, weekend hikes, and classes led by employee volunteers. Nutrition education sessions demonstrate how to make simple, healthy food at home. Most sessions are live-streamed so all employees across the state can participate. In year three, Healthy Living Program participation has increased by 18 percent.
Employee wellness efforts also use key strategies for stress management and work/life balance. Of the more than 1000 employees, approximately 24 percent work from “virtual offices” out of their homes, and 45 percent telecommute one or more days per week. These telework benefits are consistently mentioned in the annual employee survey as a key reason for job satisfaction.
“This second Platinum award underscores the continual efforts we’ve made to improve the health and well-being of our workplace,” said Sky Mills, assistant director of the Division of Human Resources. “We want employees to be at their best, achieve their goals, have supportive relationships, be proud members of their communities, and enjoy good physical and mental health. Creating a healthy workplace is crucial to ensuring we do our part in making that happen!”
The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, a public health initiative offered by the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), recognizes employers that are making efforts to positively affect the health and well-being of their employees, their families and their community by implementing comprehensive worksite wellness strategies.
