esd & associates has taken great strides in improving the health and wellness of employees, recently earning the Gold Recognition in the 2014 Healthy Workplace Recognition Program (HWRP) for the third year in a row.
The San Antonio Business Group on Health (SABGH) created the Healthy Workplace Recognition Program in collaboration with the Mayor’s Fitness Council to promote local employers’ efforts toward a healthy workforce. The HWRP assesses employee wellness programs in the areas of organizational culture, health promotion and education, physical activity, nutrition, smoking and tobacco use, and health benefits design. esd was recognized by Mayor Julián Castro and the SABGH, along with a handful of other award-winning local small and medium-to-large businesses, at the recognition ceremony held at the City Council Chambers May 19.
Among other healthy activities, esd’s company wellness initiative, or esd fit, organizes weekly Friday workouts, company bike rides and a walking club. The company also reimburses employees for entry fees to official 5K runs, triathlons, and cycling races, prompting many to develop and advance their own personal fitness goals. In addition, esd fit has an incentive program built into the initiative, further motivating employees to participate in making changes towards a healthier lifestyle.
One new addition this year to the esd fit initiative is the company’s partnership with American Heart Association’s Check Change Control blood pressure management program. “The American Heart Association’s free resources have played a large part this year in continuing to improve our company’s health and wellness efforts,” said Erik Simpson, esd founding partner and chief creative director. Thanks to Check Change Control, employees are able to check their blood pressure in office weekly and participate in an online tracking program. Monthly educational seminars covering fitness and healthy eating tips are also provided as a part of the program.
The SABGH partners with the Mayor’s Fitness Council to improve the health of the San Antonio workforce and provide the business community with opportunities to network, discuss best practices and promote worksite wellness initiatives.
