The Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce has recognized the WWU employee wellness program with their Business Award Showcase Health and Wellness Award. The award commended the 85 percent participation rate of WWU employees and the efforts of the university to encourage permanent positive changes in employee health habits.

The new wellness program was introduced in January 2015 and was developed by the WWU human resource office with help from students enrolled in “Human Resource Management” and “Principles of Advertising” classes and with input from WWU employees and their spouses.

According to Jennifer Carpenter, WWU director of human resources, one of the most popular features of the program is the focus on small, regular activities. “People don’t have a lot of extra time in daily life, so we try to offer options that busy people can incorporate into their lives.”

The award recognized the emphasis of the program on encouraging balanced living by focusing on professional, physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, environmental, and financial health.

Carpenter says that as a result of the new program “employees tell us they can do more physically, they have more energy at work, and they are able to focus more at work. They are also connecting more with coworkers on campus through lunch walks, shared devotional time, and group events.”

The Health and Wellness Award was presented by Baker Boyer Bank, a family-owned financial institution based in Walla Walla since 1869.

Posted Jan. 4, 2016