NEWS
UC campuses applauded by State Task Force for commitment to faculty and staff wellness
Three UC campuses received 2009 California Fit Business Awards, given by the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness, for promoting employee health and a healthier workplace.
UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz received Silver awards and UCLA’s Department of Cultural and Recreational Affairs received a Bronze award for programs and services in four key areas: eating better, moving more, promoting healthy lifestyles and creating a healthy culture.
“It is an honor to receive this silver award on behalf of the University and our campus partners,” said Trish Ratto, manager of Health*Matters at UC Berkeley. “This is particularly special as 2009 is the 20th anniversary of Berkeley’s wellness program for faculty and staff.”
Health*Matters strives to provide faculty and staff with skills for leading a healthy lifestyle and to foster a healthy workplace culture. Tapping into faculty expertise and partnering with multiple campus services, Health*Matters recently launched the Eat Well Berkeley initiative leading to the UC Berkeley Guide to Healthy Meetings and Events, healthier vending snack choices and nutrition guidelines for catering vendors. Several other UC campuses are beginning to implement their own healthy meeting guidelines, using Berkeley’s resources as a model.
UC Santa Cruz also was recognized with a silver award. UCSC’s employee wellness program began in February 2008 and is funded by the UCOP initiative Be Smart About Safety. By emphasizing “wellness anywhere,” the program provides enjoyable opportunities for faculty, staff, and retirees to adopt healthy lifelong practices, whether at work or at home.
“I am so proud of our employees for fully embracing this program,” said Lizzie Yasser, employee wellness coordinator at UC Santa Cruz. “It’s been really rewarding to see them make positive lifestyle changes that not only improve their health, but also bring even more fun and happiness to their work.”
For the second year in a row, UCLA was the recipient of a bronze award for its innovative activation of employee fitness and wellness programs through UCLA Recreation FITWELL. “We are extremely honored to have received the Cal Fit Business Award in both 2008 and 2009. This recognition brings great visibility and credibility to our work” said Mick Deluca, director, Department of Cultural and Recreational Affairs.
With the support of the campus administration and UCOP initiatives, UCLA Recreation has activated mobile Fit Squads, FitWell Edu educational tracks, Fit Parks, and drop-in Fit Sports throughout the campus bringing fitness and wellness opportunities to all levels of employees.
Recognizing the value of a fit and healthy workplace to organizations and workers alike, the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness honored more than 70 employers with the 2009 Fit Business Awards. State Senator Alex Padilla presented each award winner with a trophy and certificate of recognition in a ceremony held in Sacramento.