Missouri Worksite Wellness Award

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) in partnership with the University of Missouri Extension has launched the Missouri Worksite Wellness Award program, which recognizes employers that invest in creating a working environment that supports healthy behaviors. Employers are recognized based on criteria for their level of support: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Submission requirements

Submit documentation or samples for each of the criteria and accomplishments.
Submit copies of the worksite wellness policies or letter of support for wellness efforts from upper level management.
Complete the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard and submit the score.

Bronze
Meets the following accomplishments:

Policy and Policy Communication

Encourage healthy behaviors shown by letter of support from management.
Health is promoted through communication channels.*

Environment

Encourage employees to use breaks for healthy choices.
Written policy in support of mothers who wish to breastfeed or express milk during working hours.

Resources

Formal wellness committee composed of two or more staff in conjunction with a strategic worksite wellness plan.
Work-life/occupational balance resources are provided.

Education

Health topics and resources communicated to employees (flyers, posters, emails, links to webinars, etc.).
Point of decision prompts are utilized to encourage quick healthy decisions.
1-hour Manager Wellness Training.**

Silver
Meets Bronze requirements plus all accomplishments below:

Policy and Policy Communication

Written worksite wellness support policy or commitment from leadership.
Encourage use of employee sick/wellness/vacation leave to support overall wellness.
Comprehensive program for all ability levels including alternative criteria.

Environment

Provide an environment for healthy meal preparation.

Resources

Provide information on access to health insurance or health insurance provided to staff and/or families.
Wellness committee is representative of all populations and work units.

Education

Annual exam with medical provider encouraged or incentivized.
Offer educational workshops on wellness topics.
Work at Health Training.***

Gold
Meets Silver requirements plus all accomplishments below:

Policy and Policy Communication

Policy or commitment from management to provide healthy food/beverage choices at meetings, events, celebrations or cafeterias.

Environment

Provide space or devices for stress relief, taking blood pressure, a scale, wellness activities, etc.
Healthy food/beverage options available in accordance with policy.

Resources

Provide or promote information on weight management for employees.
Provide tobacco/smoke/e-cigarette cessation programs or incentive.
Mental/behavioral health resources available and promoted.

Education

Offer health and wellness challenges not solely limited to physical activity (i.e. hydration, sleep, etc.).

Platinum
Meets Gold requirements plus all accomplishments below:

Policy and Policy Communication

Have and promote a policy related to smoke/tobacco/e-cigarette free employees or campus.
Inclusion of those with disabilities is addressed per Accessibility Guide of the WorkWell Missouri Toolkit.

Environment

Onsite exercise area, mapped walking paths, supplement employee gym membership.
Quiet well-being self-care space.

Resources

Provide Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or referrals to meet employee wellbeing needs.
Coordinate occupational health and safety programs with wellness programming.

Education

Provide and promote subsidized health promotion lifestyle coaching/counseling/self-management program.
Complete Recovery Friendly Workplace Designation.

*Free materials can be found on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services - Worksite Wellness Displays website.

**Optional but highly encouraged. Reach out to the Worksites workgroup for more information.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by MU Extension and MOCAN's Worksite work group. Employers who meet the qualifications will be notified and receive a framed certificate and window clings to inform current and potential employees and visitors about their designation. Recognized businesses will also be listed on the MU Extension website, receive a template for announcements on social media, and the opportunity to connect with a Worksites work group member in person to receive their award at the Annual MOCAN Summit. The distinction is valid for 5 years.

Start online application form

—OR—

Download the information and application form (PDF) (fillable form) and submit by mail or email to:

University of Missouri Extension Worksite Wellness
Gentry Hall
524 Hitt St. Rm. 214
Columbia, MO 65211
Email Worksite Wellness

For more information about the award program, please contact the Worksite Wellness Team by email or at 573-882-2799.