Workout equipment for students and facility that have a ‘FIT’ sticker on their ID card.
OXFORD, Miss – The University of Mississippi has been recognized as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association, which commended the university’s efforts to make its workplace a healthy environment for employees.
“The university recognizes that this support may yield positive business results, such as reduced health care costs, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, lower turnover and enhanced university image,” said Andrea Jekabsons, assistant director of the UM Department of Human Resources.
The gold level recognizes a worksite that practices healthy eating while promoting a wellness culture. In order to earn the distinction, the university must have a minimum of 25 employees who fulfill at least six physical activities, two nutrition criteria and a culture criteria form.
The worksite has specific tools such as a walking tracker, wellness kit, an e-newsletter and more. These tools can help employees live longer, healthier lives.
Since November 2014, the university has been on the Fit-Friendly Worksite Honor Roll. At the worksite, the university offers each employee a 20 percent discount on customized booklets and brochures to raise the awareness about heart disease and strokes.
Human Resources continue to partner with departments and committees on campus to provide wellness-related programs and communications with the objective of enhancing individuals’ health.
While making employees aware of healthy lifestyles, the university receives recognition at local events, a recognition plaque to hang in the workplace and the right to use a recognition seal for internal and external communication programs.
For more information on the Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite, call Human Resources at 662-915-7431, or visit the American Heart Association website at https://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WorkplaceWellness/Fit-FriendlyWorksites/Fit-Friendly-Worksites_UCM_460748_SubHomePage.jsp.