Nearly 60 Rhode Island businesses honored at 25th Annual Worksite Health Awards

In recognition of Rhode Island employers’ successful efforts to advance employee wellness and build a healthier Rhode Island, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (the “Chamber”) have honored 59 local businesses with Worksite Health Awards. More than 400 business leaders from around the state attended the 25th Annual Worksite Health Awards ceremony to celebrate the honorees efforts, which benefit thousands of Rhode Island employees.

The Worksite Health Awards are an opportunity for employers to come together to celebrate and learn from best practices while showcasing the advances being made every day to improve the health and wellbeing of Rhode Islanders at work.

“How we think about wellness has changed a great deal since these awards began, but the reason for the awards has stayed the same - to recognize the Rhode Island companies that are helping their employees reach their health and wellness goals and to learn from their successes,” said Melissa Cummings, BCBSRI executive vice president and chief customer officer. “One of the ways that wellness has evolved is that it now includes more than physical health. As employers, we’re looking at wellness in a holistic way that also includes employees’ emotional, social, and financial well-being. And the award applications that we received this year showed how Rhode Island companies are delivering wellness programs in new and exciting ways - from step challenges to nutrition programs to writing letters to our troops.”

“In the 25th year of the Worksite Health Awards, we remain inspired by the creativity and commitment of those Rhode Island companies that go above and beyond to make employee wellness a priority. By supporting healthy lifestyles and boosting morale, worksite wellness programs are a win-win for everyone,” said Janet Raymond, senior vice president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “We are once again proud to partner with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to recognize nearly 60 local businesses finding innovative and engaging ways to help their employees live better, healthier and happier lives.”

All Rhode Island businesses are eligible to apply for Worksite Health Awards, which are awarded annually, including small (100 or fewer employees) and large businesses (more than 100 employees). Winners selected are those thatdemonstrate exceptional health and wellness programs and health-oriented workplace policies.

For more information about the Worksite Health Awards, winner profiles or event photos, please visit www.bcbsri.com/worksitehealth.