The VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, (VNAHSR) is pleased to announce that the Vermont Department of Health and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recently awarded the 2022 Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness-Silver Level Award for the agency’s commitment to their employees’ health and wellness in the workplace.
The employee driven wellness initiative, BLISS (an acronym for Balanced Lifestyle Investing Self-Care for Strength) is focused on not only empowering employees to take charge of their lives and habits, but has evolved to include a more comprehensive approach to worksite wellness, by connecting physical and mental health to things people care about.
“The physical, emotional and mental health of our employees is one of our main priorities. We know that it is essential for our employees to stay well so that they can care for our patients and each other,” said Jessica Fredette, Director of Human Resources.
Employees on the committee include Amanda Hewitt, Nicole Moran, Ann Pollock, Collin Terenzini, Daniel Ryan, and Phoebe Fleming.
“In BLISS we really strive to help people find what wellness means to them as wellness should be tailored to each individual,” said Amanda Hewitt, Chair of BLISS. “When I took the on the role as Chair, I knew how important it is to support employee wellness in order to help them achieve balance, which not only improves the employee’s life, but also improves patient care and outcomes.”
With more than 250 employees and covering Bennington and Rutland Counties, the home health and hospice agency is one of the largest in the state.
The Vermont Worksite Wellness Awards were developed by the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports more 20 years ago and are now presented in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health to employers across the state to create a standard of excellence for worksite wellness initiatives. These annual awards provide an opportunity for the governor and health commissioner to thank businesses and organizations for their efforts to support the health of Vermonters and make Vermont a great place to live and work.
The Vermont Worksite Wellness Award recognizes an employer’s outstanding programs, policies and activities that bolster a culture of wellness and improve the lives of its employees. The annual awards ceremony provide an opportunity to honor businesses and organizations for their efforts to support a healthy Vermont workforce. These efforts help keep health care costs down, improve productivity and make Vermont a great place to live and work. This year’s recipients include schools, banks, utilities, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, health care organizations, retailers, manufacturers and retailers.
“I am so pleased that our agency and these dedicated employees are recognized for the work they have been doing,” said Sara C. King, CEO. “As an agency, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment that reinforces wellness and brings benefits to employees, our patients and the community.”
