Knox County Health Department recognized 11 local businesses prioritizing worksite wellness with a ceremony May 19 at Ijams Nature Center. Co-sponsor was the East Tennessee Wellness Roundtable.
This recognition is granted annually and is awarded to employers who meet a series of criteria that includes: the promotion of physical activity, nutrition, breastfeeding, mental health, as well as the prevention of substance misuse and tobacco use. Worksites can apply for equipment that supports wellness initiatives, such as blood pressure monitoring cuffs, exercise equipment and lactation room supplies.
“Wellness and productivity go hand-in-hand because a healthy employee is a productive one,” said KCHD registered dietitian and ETWR chair Kaela McIver.
“Research has also proven again and again that wellness programs decrease health insurance costs for the employer.” The worksites that were recognized are:
- CASA of East Tennessee
- Compassionate Choice
- Metro Drug Coalition
- Nourish Knoxville
- Profile
- Edfinancial Services
- UT Institute for Public Service
- YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley
- Covenant Health Systems
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Kelsey Wilson is division director of communications for the Knox County Health Department.