WASHINGTON , D.C., May 2011 – The National Business Group on Health, a non-profit association of large U.S. employers, honored American Express for its commitment and dedication to promoting a healthy workplace and encouraging their workers and families to support and maintain healthy lifestyles.
American Express is one of two companies honored with the Global Distinction Awardat the Leadership Summit sponsored by the National Business Group on Health’s Institute on Innovation in Workforce Well-being. This is the first time the Business Group has recognized companies that are developing and improving approaches to affect the physical, psychological and emotional health; well-being; and productivity of global employees and their dependents. The Global Distinction designation does not honor any specific wellness initiatives but rather acknowledges corporate efforts on various fronts — from effective health communication efforts to specific covered benefits.
American Express was also among 48 U.S. employers that received the 2011 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award. American Express received a Gold Award for its Healthy Living corporate wellness program that encourages preventive care and healthy lifestyles among American Express employees and their families. This marks the third consecutive year American Express has been recognized, receiving a Gold award in 2010 and Silver award in 2009.
“As a company with a rich history of service that drives everything we do, our employees are our most important asset,” said David Kasiarz, Senior Vice President of Compensation and Benefits, American Express. “Our investment in Healthy Living has proven to be a valuable resource for our employees and their families who are actively involved in managing their health and improving their well-being. We believe that a long-term approach like this also increases employee commitment and engagement with the company, enhances business productivity and performance, and helps control long-term health cost trends.”
The American Express Healthy Living corporate wellness program was developed in 2009 to provide superior health and wellness options to employees and their families to help achieve physical, psychological and social well-being. American Express has developed a breadth of programs to help employees meet these goals, health assessments, onsite medical clinics, lifestyle and health coaching and disease management programs. Since the programs launch two years ago, American Express has seen improvements across all employee risk factors as a result of high engagement in the Healthy Living Program. American Express’ Healthy Living program was also recognized recently with a GOLD Fit Friendly from the American Heart Association, a Gold Well Workplace Award from Wellness Council of America, and an Award for Innovation in Reducing Health Care Disparities from The National Business Group on Health.
Helen Darling, President and CEO of the National Business Group on Health, commented: “We are very pleased to honor American Express for its ongoing commitment to providing lifestyle improvement programs that encourage healthier lifestyles for their employees. American Express and its management team should take pride in understanding the importance of a promoting and maintaining a healthy workforce. We congratulate them on receiving this award.”
Winners of the “Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles” awards were honored in one of two categories: Platinum, for established healthy weight, healthy lifestyles” programs with measurable success and documented outcomes; or Gold, for creating cultural and environmental changes that support employees who are committed to long-term behavior changes.
