University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

UB named ‘healthiest employer’

UB’s health and wellness initiative has been recognized with a first-place award in the WNY Healthiest Employer program sponsored by Buffalo Business First in conjunction with Independent Health, Wegmans and the YMCA.

UB received top honors in the large-employer category, which included HealthNow New York Inc., the parent company of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York; Mercy Hospital of Buffalo; Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Seneca Gaming Corp.; and Tops Friendly Markets.

Employers’ were given a wellness ranking based on the Healthiest Employer Index, which measures an organization’s wellness program in six categories: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communications and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analysis.

Employers were surveyed by Healthiest Employer LLC of Indianapolis, a national research firm that conducts Healthy Employer awards programs across the country.

“We are proud and honored to be recognized as the healthiest workplace in a competitive category that included organizations like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Mercy Hospital,” said Jennifer Bowen, associate vice president for University Human Resources. “Such recognition wouldn’t be possible without the support of our programs and efforts by our campus community, and the hard work and contributions of our Wellness and Work/Life Balance team.”

UB established a Wellness & Work/Life Balance unit several years ago as part of its HR Transformation initiative. The unit is charged with helping faculty and staff achieve a more satisfying and productive work life by promoting health and wellness. It coordinates programs such as the “Move It To Lose It” fitness challenge and the “eat well. live well. challenge,” as well as workshops and classes on health and wellness topics.