Ashland University to be honored by HBCO for healthy worksite practices

12/17/2020 ASHLAND, Ohio -- Ashland University is one of the 100 Ohio employers to be recognized for their healthy worksite practices by The Healthy Business Council of Ohio. The HBCO will award the employers during the virtual In-Value-Able Virtual Conference Series in February 2021.

The Healthy Worksite Award recognizes Ohio employers who demonstrate a commitment to employee wellness through comprehensive worksite health promotion and wellness programs. Applicants are scored on the extent their wellness programs facilitate and encourage employee health, enhance productivity and ensure a healthy work environment.

 “This is the third year to receive this award, second year at the Silver level,” said Dr. Deborah Sullivan, director of Campus Wellness, who submitted the application. “None of this could happen, of course, without the support of our AU community – our administration, Eagle Well Advisory Committee members, Student Peer Educators, Departmental Wellness Champions, Human Resources staff and our Facilities Department.”

All applications were reviewed and evaluated using objective criteria. Four levels of high achievement were awarded in 2020 —Bronze, Silver, Gold and, new in 2020, Platinum.

 “We can all agree that 2020 was a beast of a year for employer sis so this year’s application was modified to recognize the extraordinary efforts employers were making to offer employee wellbeing in spite of it all,” said awards committee co-chair Annie Laurie Cadmus. “Applicants had the option to complete a ‘Pandemic Response’ section of the application to share how they adjusted their program offerings and continued to offer support to employees during a difficult year.”

Ashland University offered the option of remote work. Wellness offerings were transitioned to an online/app platform, including fitness classes and the Healthy Mind app. Webinars, emails and social media were used to communicate wellness resources. Daily updates were provide via the AU website and university leadership held frequent Town Hall meetings to keep the campus community informed.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.###