In recognition of the university’s robust wellness program, Virginia Tech has been certified as a wellness workplace by CommonHealth.

CommonHealth is the state’s wellness program. Virginia Tech’s employee wellness program is coordinated by Hokie Wellness, which recently merged with student wellness programs to form a unified program for students and employees.

The certification recognizes the university’s commitment to the health and well-being of its 13,000 employees through a number of policies and programs.

Some of Hokie Wellness’ most popular events and programs include the elder care symposium presented each spring, the recently held health and benefits fair, the fall and spring wellness series, and Weight Watchers at Work. Hokie Wellness also provides ADHD support groups, positive body image workshops, and tobacco-use prevention and cessation programs.

Last fall, Hokie Wellness assisted with an effort to bring healthier options to campus vending machines.

Over the summer, they launched an email program that both congratulates employees on their work anniversaries and offers valuable information about prevention and staying healthy. On their work anniversary, employee receive an email with a basic summary of information about annual health screenings they should consider to help them stay healthy.

The certification was presented to members of the Hokie Wellness team by Susan Perry, CommonHealth regional coordinator, at the 2016 Health and Benefits Fair on Jan. 13.

2015 was the first year the CommonHealth Worksite Certified program was offered. Virginia Tech was one of 32 agencies in the Commonwealth to be approved as CommonHealth Worksite Certified in the program's inaugural year. 

For more information about how Hokie Wellness is helping build a healthy Hokie community, visit the Hokie Wellness website.

 

Written by Katie Huger, employee communications manager.

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