The CNHS exhibit was a popular stop for business owners, policy-makers and wellness professionals attending the Vermont Worksite Wellness Conference in March. They inquired about the new Master of Science in Physical Activity and Wellness Science and the new Certificate in Integrative Healthcare, both of which provide avenues for addressing workers’ wellbeing. Exercise Science Professor Connie Tompkins and Integrative Healthcare Program Manager Cara Feldman Hunt staffed the exhibit and provided information about CNHS.
At this annual conference in Burlington, hundreds of Vermont business leaders, human resources professionals, health care providers, municipal employees and wellness experts gather to talk about how to create and sustain worksite wellness strategies that promote thriving workplaces. In workshops and seminars, participants delve into ideas for incorporating physical activity and nutrition into the workday, creating inclusive workplaces, reducing worker injuries and helping employees overcome stress.
New this year, CNHS Exercise Science students demonstrated resistance band exercises that people can do at their workstations. It was an opportunity for the students to practice instructing exercise programs and gain confidence engaging with large groups of people.
Governor Phil Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports presented awards to 81 employers for their onsite efforts to promote physical fitness and a healthy work-life balance. These efforts help keep health care costs down, improve productivity and make Vermont a great place to live and work.
“Employers in Vermont have come to understand that physically fit workers are more productive, engaged and invested in their careers,” said Janet Franz, chair of the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and communications professional in the CNHS Office of Student Services. “There’s a clear link between healthy, happy employees and an organization’s success.”
The University of Vermont received an award for employee wellness programming. UVM established a Wellness Council last year and created a centralized inventory of the many wellness initiatives that exist across campus. Staff and faculty can take exercise classes, play intramural sports and attend seminars on nutrition and stress management. UVM employees also receive free biometric screenings and flu shots and attend professional development seminars on wellness topics including financial planning, social justice, parenting and relationships.
In a press release about the award, Wanda Heading-Grant, vice president of UVM’s Division of Human Resources, Diversity and Multicultural Affairs said, “Making wellness a priority is a true win-win for UVM. Research shows that employees who participate in wellness programs are happier, healthier and more productive. That’s a benefit to both the employee and the university.”
Providing employee wellness education and activities on campus supports the College of Nursing and Health Sciences mission to promote health and wellbeing. As Dean Prelock is fond of saying, “Wellness starts here!”