UPMC again receives ‘Best Employer for Healthy Lifestyles’ recognition
For the second year in a row, UPMC has become one of the few companies in the United States to receive “2010 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles” recognition from the National Business Group on Health (NBGH). UPMC joined only 15 other companies to earn platinum status, the highest possible level of recognition. Even more impressively, UPMC was one of just nine companies in the country to receive this designation for 2009 and 2010.
The platinum recognition is reserved for organizations that have established workplace well-being programs with measurable success and documented outcomes, such as UPMC Health Plan’s MyHealth initiative.
“I am very excited that UPMC and UPMC Health Plan have been recognized by the National Business Group on Health as one of the nation’s Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles,” says Diane Holder, president, UPMC Health Plan. “Everyone at UPMC Health Plan is proud of the work we are doing to promote healthy living — to our own employees and to our customers in western Pennsylvania. Our employees represent every segment of society and span all ages and stages of health ranging from the healthy, to those at risk, to those suffering from multiple conditions.”
UPMC has worked to create a healthy culture not only for our patients, but also for our employees. MyHealth makes it easier than ever for employees to live an active, healthy lifestyle, which can help them maintain a healthy weight, improve mental health, and enhance quality of life. Each year more than 90 percent of eligible employees receive their deductible credit and together complete literally tens of thousands of healthy steps to improve their health.
The MyHealth program has been a great success. UPMC employees have:
- Lost more than 10 tons in 2010 alone through the MyHealth Weight Race challenge
- Seen a decline in obesity, low back pain, and tobacco use
- Received more preventive screenings to help maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Enjoyed healthier dining and beverage options in cafeterias and vending machines
“We are proud of what we have accomplished and the level of engagement of our employees,” says Gregory Peaslee, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, UPMC. “Through MyHealth’s robust programs and services, we have made our employees’ health a top priority, which means they will be able to lead healthier, happier, and more productive lives both in the workplace and in their communities.”