Sherburne County’s health and wellness program is keeping employees healthy and benefitting taxpayers at the same time.

 

At the last county board meeting, Janine Foggia, Health & Wellness Committee Chair and Vice-Chair Tammy Bigelow gave the commissioners an overview of the program.

 

In 2018, 341 employees signed up for the program and 35% completed a health assessment.

 

“That’s a really great tool for our employees to see where they’re doing well and where there may be some opportunity for improvement,” said Foggia.

 

The program offers monthly activities and online programs which employees can access. 

 

Of those signed up, 223 were actively involved in at least one program. The most popular activities were a cooking demonstration focusing on nutrition, salad bar potlucks, a presentation by Willow Sweeney, a personal  developmental speaker and physical activities and nutrition challenges.

 

 

“The physical challenges were another highlight. We had a Backyard Bash sports tournament that focuses on promoting social health and social connectedness,” said Foggia. 

 

“Some of the feedback was it’s a great opportunity to connect with coworkers outside of the workspace and meet folks from other departments. That’s something we’re going to continue.”

 

Another program is the new community supported agriculture (CSA) program, where producers bring in a share of fresh local produce to the Government Center and  employees are able to pick it up weekly.

 

“We had really positive response from that,” said Foggia. “Our ultimate goal  is to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.”

 

The incentive for employees is eight hours of paid time off (PTO) for meeting program requirements, which includes taking the health assessment, getting two healthcare provider screenings, which could include dental or vision and completing health challenges and six additional activities of their choice. In 2018, 149 employees net the requirements.

 

Bigelow said there are three main goals of the program: 

 

* Engaging employees in the program by assessing current health needs, using data to improve the program and gathering feedback from employees;

 

* Providing employees with essential tools and resources to make healthier choices;

 

* Implementing strategies to build a culture of health and create an environment that is supportive of those healthier choices.

 

In the past year, 47% of employees who took a survey said they were participating in the program because they know it’s going to support a healthier lifestyle. Another 32% said the joined for the PTO incentive.

 

“We want to increase that 47%,” said Bigelow. “We want more people to do it because it’s a healthier lifestyle.”

 

Bigelow said statistics show the program is also helping by saving the county money. For every dollar spent, there is a $3.25 savings in medical costs and $2.70 in savings on absenteeism.