Kansas, United States: The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has been named as one of the healthiest companies in America by Interactive Health, a leading provider of health management solutions.
This is the eighth year Interactive Health has released its list of companies that have ‘embraced the mission of life-changing access to preventive health care in the workplace’.
This year’s list includes 158 companies that have been successful in achieving high employee participation and moving those employees from high-risk health status to lower risk.
GCSAA has 79 employees, with 90 per cent of employees participating in the health programme.
GCSAA has offered a staff wellness programme since 2009 and made the switch to Interactive Health in the fall of 2012.
The programme includes a thorough health evaluation, technology tools and resources to help individuals reach their health goals, and outreach by health coaches.
GCSAA contributes an additional 15 per cent toward employees’ healthcare premiums if they participate and obtain their goals. Six health factors are evaluated: blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and tobacco use, and all factors are controllable through lifestyle choices such as nutrition, exercise and medication.
“GCSAA has always been committed to providing our staff with a healthy work environment and we want to continue to encourage healthy lifestyle choices both at home and in the office,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Being named one of the healthiest companies in America is an example of why GCSAA is a great place to work.”
Wellness initiatives have become part of the culture at GCSAA, with the association offering quarterly wellness reimbursements (US$25 per month for any wellness-related activity, including golf), corporate gym discounts, wellness fairs, yoga classes, healthy break room snacks and educational presentations throughout the year.