The University of North Dakota leads the state as an organization that cares about the health and well being of its employees and offers work site wellness programs. On Sept. 25, UND President Charles Kupchella accepted two awards on behalf of the University, including a platinum level Fit-Friendly Company award from the American Heart Association. This places UND in the ranks of companies such as Johnson & Johnson and others that demonstrate a commitment to supporting physical activity and nutrition in the workplace. The Fit-Friendly Company award is given to companies that provide a supportive environment for employees to increase physical activity and eat healthier. Platinum level awards are given only to those companies who prove their work site wellness programs work.
In addition to the Platinum Level Fit-Friendly Company Award, UND received the Workplace Fitness Innovation Award, also from the American Heart Association, for innovative and creative ways of promoting physical activity in the workplace. UND is one of just 18 companies in the United States to receive this award.
In November 2006, President Kupchella provided funding for a work site wellness program. UND Work Well, which Kupchella calls a "world-renowned" program, has had great success. It is housed at the new UND Student Wellness Center, which opened a year ago and serves as another reminder that wellness is important to the UND community. This state-of-the-art building received the 2007 Outstanding Facility Award from the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association.
Wellness Center members or not, employees are encouraged to participate in UND Work Well activities, such as the Wellness Game of Life. This six-month incentive program was designed to encourage employees to be active partners in improving their health.
"Bottom line, employees and their families matter to UND," says Assistant Vice President for Wellness Dr. Laurie Betting. "As a means to improve their quality of life and reduce the cost of health care, UND has committed to an integrated data driven worksite wellness program." This program is tied to best practice research as well as employee needs and interests. "By researching the campus, we determined the most important focus areas for UND employees and we understood the means of delivery that would reach our audience," said Amanda Eickhoff, Assistant Director for Work Well.
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The program has been a success because of the partnerships that exist to make UND a healthier place. An advisory committee of faculty and staff throughout the university assist in developing the program and bringing it to the employees. In addition, Wellness Ambassadors are passionate people who are selected to motivate and encourage other employees and to coordinate short presentations on various health topics that Work Well brought to the departments. They also serve as the eyes and ears of the program, collecting feedback that continually improves the program.
"The goal is to create a culture where healthy choices are easy choices," says Betting.
Changing the culture of an organization is not easy, and it doesn't happen without administrator support. President Kupchella and the members of his Cabinet play an instrumental role in improving the health of the campus. They have seen an incredible increase in the cost of health insurance, which the University covers for its benefited employees. UND's administration has chosen to take action against this increasing cost and has once again become a leader in the state of North Dakota because of their proactive efforts.
Promoting and encouraging wellness on UND's campus is a continuous, multi-year endeavor. With the help of the Work Well program, UND will become a preeminent leader in higher education that inspires, supports, and empowers the campus community to achieve an optimal level of health and wellness. - Submitted by UND Relations.
