Both winners of the prestigious Health Project award are HealthFitness clients
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — October 17, 2012 — In recognition of an ongoing commitment to employee health, HealthFitness commended L.L.Bean for winning the 2012 C. Everett Koop Award from The Health Project. L.L.Bean was one of only two companies recognized in 2012 for the prestigious award, which spotlights health management programs for documented health improvement and cost savings. Both L.L.Bean and the other 2012 C. Everett Koop Award winner, the State of Nebraska’s health benefits program, are HealthFitness clients. The awards were presented Oct. 3, 2012 at the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) Forum in Minneapolis, Minn.
“L.L.Bean’s ongoing effort to infuse a culture of health in the workplace is well deserving of this national recognition,” said Paul Lotharius, HealthFitness’ president and CEO. “This is a proven health management program that others can look to as a model for improved employee health outcomes and, as a result, overall health and productivity cost savings.”
Since 1982, L.L.Bean has maintained a comprehensive health promotion program that today reaches more than 5,000 employees, family members and retirees. The “Healthy Bean” program integrates many of the most effective strategies for improving employee health, including wellness programming for employees and spouses, free onsite fitness centers staffed and supported by HealthFitness professionals, and subsidies for off-site gym memberships. L.L.Bean offers strong incentives for participation in a comprehensive health risk appraisal and provides a healthy work environment with tobacco-free campuses, subsidies for healthy food options, and both indoor and outdoor walking paths.
According to The Health Project, L.L.Bean’s program demonstrates well-articulated goals, excellent communications, management support and comprehensive policies designed to enhance employee health. L.L.Bean was among the first programs recognized with a Koop Award in 1994 and again won in 2009; it continues to be effective at promoting a strong culture of health among its employees. Participation rates have averaged 85 percent over five years and smoking rates dropped from 24 percent in 1985 to 6 percent in 2011.
About HealthFitness
HealthFitness, a subsidiary of The Trustmark Companies, is an award-winning, NCQA-accredited provider of health, fitness and condition management solutions. With 30-plus years of experience, HealthFitness is a proven leader and partner for infusing a culture of health. We maximize client results through personalized interaction and a science-based approach to on-site program management, engagement, prevention, and health and lifestyle management. HealthFitness provides a portfolio of solutions, including best-in-class integration, condition management, INSIGHT® Health Risk Assessments, screenings, EMPOWERED Coaching™ and fitness facility design and management. For more information on HealthFitness, visit healthfitness.com.
