March 28, 2013 — The Dallas Business Journal named Parker University one of the Healthiest Employers in North Texas for the second consecutive year at its annual Healthiest Employers Program. Ranked third in the midsize company category, Parker was recognized for creating a healthy workplace.
Each year, the Dallas Business Journal recognizes companies that proactively shape the health of their employees. The Healthiest Employers Awards Program evaluates organizations based on criteria, including culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analysis.
“Parker is centered around being proactive about your health and living a healthy lifestyle,” said Brian McAulay, DC, president of Parker University. “It’s important for us to provide our employees with wellness programs and support systems that encourage and reward healthy behaviors.”
Surrounded by wellness-minded individuals, Parker employees benefit from a health and wellness culture that offers numerous advantages, including free chiropractic care and health and wellness counseling in its Parker University Chiropractic Wellness Clinics, discounted health and wellness products such as supplements, back and neck supportive pillows, massagers, and more.
Parker also implements a variety of wellness programs, including Simply Well, an online tool used to motivate employees to manage and increase healthy behaviors. The customized program enables employees to identify their possible health risks and empowers them to improve their health with the help of individualized action plans and support tools.
Employees who participate in the program and achieve predetermined point requirements are rewarded with a $40-per-month discount on health insurance premiums. Employees can even be reimbursed for their gym memberships. If they attend a gym of their choice at least 10 times per-month, they receive $35 on the following month’s pay. If employees participate in both programs, they gain $900 a year.
In addition, Parker University’s Wellness Committee meets regularly to plan healthy events, programs, and challenges throughout the year. Employees receive Simply Well points for participating in events such as self-defense classes, weekend walks, and workouts on campus like yoga or P90X.
“It can be difficult to create a successful work-life balance where you have time to make healthy choices and participate in healthy activities, so we create programs that make it easier for our employees,” said Sandra McLean, chief human resources officer of Parker University. “Many of our employees also establish support systems with their colleagues, which gives them an extra boost in achieving their wellness goals.”
The institutions on-campus gym offers free weights, cardio equipment, a basketball court, and a yoga area free to employees and their spouses. Nutritious food options are available on campus with its healthy café and the Fresh Healthy Vending machines located throughout campus.
The Dallas Business Journal featured Parker University in a special article about the award.
Source: Parker University, parker.edu
