October 25, 2013 - Equitable Life accepted a Gold Award Thursday, October
24th at Waterloo
Region's Annual Healthy Workplace Awards celebration.
The intent of the Healthy Workplace Awards Program is to
"recognize and celebrate workplaces in Waterloo Region that
demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the health of their
employees." Workplaces who receive an award have demonstrated
that they provide a variety of activities to enhance the health of
their employees and work environment.
To win a Gold Award, organizations are required to fulfill the
award criteria in at least three categories. Equitable Life met the
requirements for the "physical activity," "healthy eating" and
"tobacco-free living" categories by offering a range of strategies,
including awareness-raising, skill-building, supportive
environments and policy development.
"At Equitable Life, we want to support and actively foster a
healthier work environment for all staff," says Don Bisch, chair of
Equitable Life's Wellness Committee. "This award is truly a
reflection of the contributions of all our Wellness Committee
members."
Since its creation in 2009, the Wellness Committee, has:
- Launched a Health Assessment tool allowing employees to
identify their health risks and develop strategies for improving
their wellbeing;
- Implemented various onsite programs including fitness classes
and table tennis tournaments;
- Hosted a full slate of events to promote Healthy Workplace
Month, including an annual health fair;
- Held several employee health challenges targeted at improving
fitness and eating habits;
- Hosted lunch and learns on nutrition, fitness and stress
management;
- Installed a salad bar and introduced more healthy options in
the on-site cafeteria; and
- Introduced healthy eating, a physical activity and non-smoking
policies to encourage, support and actively foster a healthier work
environment for all staff.
"The award also recognizes our efforts to integrate initiatives
of our Wellness Committee with Equitable Life's many ongoing Human
Resource programs and benefits," says Bisch. "For example, we offer
our employees flu shot clinics, online health and wellness
resources and an Employee Assistance Program that provides access
to support from professional counselors." As well, Equitable
Life offers a Wellfit Account that allows employees to submit
reimbursement claims for fitness classes, gym memberships,
registrations for organized sports, formal weight loss programs and
more.
About Equitable Life of Canada
Since 1920, Canadians have been depending on Equitable Life of
Canada for financial protection. We offer a wide selection of
competitive Individual Life and Health, Group Life and Health, and
Savings and Retirement products to meet a range of financial
planning and health needs. As one of Canada's largest mutual life
insurance companies, Equitable Life is dedicated solely to its
policyholders. Everything we do is focused on providing them with
personalized service, security and wellbeing. Equitable Life
employs more than 500 staff members at its head office in Waterloo
and in regional offices across Canada. The Company is represented
by more than 10,000 independent advisors serving Equitable Life
policyholders across Canada and in Bermuda.
www.equitable.ca
Media Relations Contact:
Don Bisch
Director of Corporate Communications
519.904.8017
dbisch@equitable.ca
