Tricia Kristoff, the Human Resources benefit coordinator, reported to Historic City News this week that Flagler College has been recognized as one of the “healthiest companies” in Northeast Florida.
The college was included in the “silver level” category of the “2011 First Coast Healthiest Companies” competition sponsored by First Coast Worksite Wellness Council.
The council is an initiative of the community organization Healthy Jacksonville, and its mission is to improve the health of the First Coast community by sharing resources and providing guidance through member businesses.
Kristoff said the award was for a wellness program the college began offering during the past couple of years.
“We offered our employees a multitude of ways to participate, from yoga and tai chi classes at lunch, to seminars on nutrition, to walking meetings around campus,” she said. “We also have senior management support from the president and vice president to the executive director.”
The college also offers a Passport Program that offers cash incentives and a grand prize cruise. Employees earn points from attending on-site events and participating in educational opportunities that encourage a healthier lifestyle.
“Our efforts here, with an established Wellness Committee that meets monthly, and volunteers who bring new fitness programs and opportunities for health education, like the Bailey Group and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, is what makes the wellness program work,” Kristoff added.
Other companies included in the silver category were Crowley, Prosperity Bank, Reynolds, Smith and Hill Inc., The Blood Alliance and YMCA of Florida’s First Coast.
Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer