When it comes to improving the health of our community, employers have the unique opportunity to promote and influence real change. By implementing worksite wellness programs, organizations can help reduce preventable illness, aid in managing chronic disease more effectively and inspire employees to take charge of their health and wellness.
Independent Health is doing its part to build a healthier community by laying the groundwork within its own walls. Since 2005, Independent Health has offered its own employees a comprehensive and robust worksite wellness program called Healthy Me. Under the direction of the company’s Corporate Wellness Department, the Healthy Me program is designed to provide resources, tools and education that help Independent Health employees make lifestyle choices that positively impact their overall health and wellbeing.
“As a local leader in worksite wellness, Independent Health is always looking for new and exciting ways to broaden our employee engagement and retention efforts,” said Patricia Clabeaux, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Independent Health. “We understand the importance of offering a variety of initiatives that focus on all the aspects of wellness, including physical wellness, mental wellness, emotional wellness and social wellness. Research demonstrates that when a holistic approach is integrated into a corporate wellness program, employees often feel more valued, which leads to a healthier, more productive workforce.”
One of the ways Independent Health has incorporated holistic wellness into the Healthy Me program is by introducing a new employee wellness program called the “24 in 24 Challenge.” Through this fun and rewarding initiative, teams consisting of four employees each have embarked on a year-long “Amazing Race-style” journey. The goal is to participate in 24 community events and health engagement activities during the calendar year of 2024. Teams can either work together or individually; however, each team member is responsible for participating in at least six different events or activities. They can also attend more than six events if they choose.
“We created the 24 in 24 Challenge because we believe it’s important for our employees to be engaged in our company as well as our community,” said Clabeaux. “By participating, they get the chance to experience the difference Independent Health makes in the community while also improving their health and wellness. Plus, since most of our employees work from home, it’s a great way for them to connect and collaborate with their colleagues.”
As part of the 24 in 24 Challenge, each team tracks their participation by posting photos and videos, using hash tag “#24in24,” on Independent Health’s employee communication and social networking online platform. Regular communications are provided to all participants to inform them of team standings and promote upcoming events and activities.
In particular, 24 in 24 Challenge participants are encouraged to take part in Independent Health and Independent Health Foundation-sponsored healthy activities, such as going for a walk or jog along the three-mile Independent Health Wellness Trail at Outer Harbor Buffalo, taking a ride on a Reddy Bike, getting active outdoors at a Fitness in the Parks class or preparing a “Healthy Options at Home” recipe. There are also various Independent Health Foundation programs that participants can donate their time to each month, from distributing equipment at Soccer for Success practice to managing the produce table at a Good for the Neighborhood event, in addition to other volunteer opportunities from organizations and causes throughout the 716 community.
Beside from helping on a larger scale, research has shown that giving back to others by sharing your time and resources has been linked with numerous health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to increasing one’s sense of happiness and self-esteem to promoting social connection and allowing us to experience empathy.
“I volunteered at a Good for the Neighborhood event at Westminster Community Charter School in Buffalo earlier this year and I had so much fun,” said Jeanne Leising, Vice President of Clinical Operations (Health Care Services & Population Health Management) for Independent Health. “Many of the people who attended the event did not speak English. So, I was trying to teach them certain exercises and how to eat healthy by using hand motions. It was a little bit like charades, but it seemed to work. They were so excited to be there, and you could tell they appreciated what I was trying to do. It was such a great experience.”
Leising currently serves as captain of the Independently Healthy 716ers, which recently became the first team to complete the required 24 events and activities. She, along with teammates Rebecca Bean, Holley Sheppard and Saralin Tiedeman, have embraced the concept of the 24 in 24 Challenge from the time it launched in January.
Independently Healthy 716ers (from left: Holley Sheppard, Rebecca Bean, Jeanne Leising and Saralin Tiedeman).
“We’ve been busy staying active and doing a little bit of everything,” said Bean. “For instance, Jeanne and I visited Tifft Nature Preserve where we walked and did some bird watching. Holley took part in the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb in May and Saralin went with her kids and mom to the Outer Harbor. We’re always looking to see if there’s something we can do together. But we also try to do our own individual things, too. Being part of a team is nice because it helps to keep you motivated.”
Since Tiedeman works in a different department than her three teammates, she appreciates how the 24 in 24 Challenge has allowed her to bond with them.
“I was so happy when they asked me to join their team because I started at Independent Health right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having to work virtually, it’s taken a longer time for me to get to know the people I’m working with,” said Tiedeman. “The challenge has given me the chance to meet up with my colleagues in person and learn more about their lives away from work. It’s a wonderful way to make personal connections and build relationships.”
As for Sheppard, she believes the 24 in 24 Challenge is the perfect way to showcase what it means to provide the RedShirt® Treatment.
“Whether it’s taking part in a health or wellness activity or volunteering with my teammates, I really enjoy being out there in the community, representing Independent Health and knowing that we’re truly making a difference for others while improving our own lives,” said Sheppard.
Even though they’ve completed all of the necessary challenges, that doesn’t mean the Independently Healthy 716ers are about to rest on their laurels.
“No stopping for us. There’s still plenty to do,” said Leising. “We’re already on to the next 24.”
We’re here to help
If you are an employer who is interested in creating a healthier workforce, Independent Health may be able to provide you with the expertise and support you need. For additional information, contact your broker or an Independent Health benefit consultant today. You can also visit our website.
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