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 (free materials can be found on DHSS Worksite Wellness website).

Environment

Encourage employees to use breaks for healthy choices.
Recipient of Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Award.

Resources

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

Education

Health topics and resources communicated to employees.
Point of decision prompts are utilized to encourage quick healthy decisions.

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.

Environment

Provides an environment for healthy meal preparation.

Resources

Provides health insurance or information on access to health insurance.
Wellness committee is representative of all work units and other diversity factors representative of the company.

Education

Annual exam with medical provider encouraged or incentivized.
Offer educational workshops on wellness topics.

Gold
Meets Silver requirements plus all accomplishments below:

Policy and Policy Communication

Worksite wellness policy or commitment from management to provide or employees bring healthy food/beverages choices at all work events.

Environment

Provides 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.
Tobacco cessation programs or incentive.
Mental/behavioral health resources available and promoted.

Education

Offer health and wellness challenges.

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.

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.

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 and DHSS websites, 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.

To receive recognition and the award in person at the October MOCAN Meeting, please submit the completed application by Sept. 1 each year.

Fill out the online information and 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.