Topic: Human Resources

September 24, 2009

 Ball State University has been recognized as one of the top employers in Indiana for its comprehensive wellness programming and success in fostering a healthier workforce.

Ball State was honored as one of the 2009 Healthiest Employers of Indiana by Healthiest Employers, a national organization dedicated to promoting wellness in business.

The university was among the five companies recognized, winning in the award for the 1,500-4,999 employee category. To be considered for the Healthiest Employers of Indiana award, an organization must meet stringent wellness program criteria and be a business, not-for-profit or government entity in Indiana.  

"Earning this award as one of Indiana's healthiest employers is further evidence that our emphasis on health and wellness at Ball State is succeeding," said Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora. "We will continue that emphasis for our faculty and staff, and their families, and we will continue to provide both structured programs and university resources to allow employees to get the most from their health care plans and improve the quality of their lives."

Ball State's Working Well initiative, which builds upon the university's long history of providing employee health and wellness program, is profiled in the Sept. 21 edition of IBJ in its Healthiest Employers promotional supplement.

The publication reviews Ball State's efforts to strengthen health and wellness programs, pointing out that in 2007 such issues were incorporated into the university's strategic plan. That was the same year that the university hired Patty Hollingsworth, a veteran health and wellness official, as director of Working Well, a health enhancement program designed especially for Ball State employees.

Over the last two years, Ball State has established several major health and wellness initiatives, including becoming a smoke-free campus, establishing a Weight Watchers at Work program and creating the Employee QuickClinic, an on-site medical treatment facility open to employees, retirees and family members.   

"Ball State has made a commitment to impact the quality of life on our campus," Hollingsworth said. "The health and wellness initiatives are a key to attaining this strategic objective."

By Marc Ransford, Senior Communications Strategist