Awarded silver level recognition for the Association’s 2022 Workforce Well-being Scorecard™
The American Heart Association has awarded Excellus BlueCross BlueShield national silver level recognition for its commitments to employee health and wellbeing as measured in the Association’s 2022 Workforce Well-being Scorecard™.
The Scorecard evaluates factors such as mental health policies, organizational well-being strategies to address burnout, health equity measures, employee financial resources and more to provide a comprehensive assessment of an organization’s culture of health. A total of 381 organizations completed the Scorecard in 2022, and all organizations were recognized with an achievement level of platinum (9%), gold (45%), silver (32%), bronze (9%) or completer (5%).
Excellus BCBS’s employee wellbeing program, be WELL for LIFE, focuses on five areas: emotional support, mindfulness, nourishment, movement, and connection. To meet personal health goals, employees are offered challenges, weekly and monthly classes, webinars, the Wellbeing Incentive Program, and a variety of resources. The program is run by two full-time employees and facilitated through an Employee Wellness Committee.
The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, developed the Workforce Well-being Scorecard in collaboration with top scientists and industry experts to reflect the latest evidence-based science on workforce health and well-being. First launched in 2016, the Scorecard was refreshed in 2022 to place a renewed focus on health equity and comprehensive organizational well-being. The free, web-based tool allows employers to regularly evaluate their health and well-being progress, identify areas of opportunity and see how their results stack up against their peers.
Research has shown that supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of employees is vital to driving productivity, engagement and successful business outcomes. By investing in a culture of health in the workplace, organizations can improve employee retention and bolster their organizational reputation.
“We are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our commitment to employee health and wellbeing and our continued efforts to promote equity,” said Excellus BCBS President and CEO Jim Reed. “Our organization is dedicated to creating a culture that is safe, supportive, and provides opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential—in and out of the workplace.”
The Workforce Well-being Scorecard is a key component of the Association’s Well-being Works Better™ platform, which helps business leaders unleash the power of a healthy, happy workforce. Distinct from traditional wellness programs, Well-being Works Better empowers employers to champion the mental and physical health of their employees and provides actionable guidance to meet the unique needs of their organization.
For more information and a full list of recognized organizations, visit www.heart.org/workforce.
Contact:
Edward Byrnes, (315) 404-3766, edward.byrnes@excellus.com
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 4,000 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.
