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Kootenai Health named “Well Workplace”

Coeur d'Alene, ID - Kootenai Health is making sure it's patients aren't the only ones getting healthier. This past week Kootenai received a gold WELCOA national Well Workplace designation.

The award, given by the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA), recognizes quality and excellence in worksite health promotion. Driven by a pre-defined set of worksite wellness criteria, organizations of all kinds compete to be recognized as one of America's healthiest companies.

"Promoting a healthy workplace is something we've taken seriously at Kootenai," says Daniel Klocko, vice president of human resources at Kootenai Health. "Regular employee wellness reviews help us identify areas we can improve. We build programs around those areas to meet the needs that are out there."

The North Idaho Health Network began piloting its Healthy Directions program at Kootenai Health in 1999. Healthy Directions is a comprehensive worksite wellness program designed to help organizations reduce health care costs and absenteeism, increase employee productivity, and promote employee health.

"Kootenai Health has been very progressive in its employee health initiatives," says Jo Anne Bell, North Idaho Health Network's director of Healthy Directions. "Last year we piloted an employee weight loss campaign called Race to Lose. We involved registered dietitians from Kootenai's own nutrition services department, had regular "weigh-ins," and involved the staff in a little friendly competition. Over 180 employees participated in the program, for a combined weight loss of nearly 1,000 pounds. This year, 225 employees signed up."

The Race to Lose program is just one example. Regular wellness fairs, stress reduction classes, and health management programs for employees who are at risk for specific health problems are all part of the Healthy Directions program at Kootenai.

"Employees who participate in Kootenai's wellness programs tend to be healthier," says Klocko. "That certainly has an impact on work performance, but that's not the only reason we do it. Kootenai's mission is to meet the healthcare needs of north Idaho. That means our employees too. It's nice to be recognized by the Wellness Councils, but for us, keeping our employees healthy just feels like the right thing to do."

For more information, visit the following websites: Kootenai Health, North Idaho Health Network, or Wellness Councils of America.