Human Resources Manager Lisa Chrisman (left) and Wellness Coordinator Nicki Leo hold the Healthiest Workplace award.

The City of Westminster was recently recognized as the number five Healthiest Workplace in the United States in 2017. The award was presented Tuesday, Sept. 19 in Chicago at a conference honoring the nation’s 100 Healthiest Workplaces in America. The city was the only public employer on the list.

“Companies recognized for this award usually include only private sector groups with large, privately-funded budgets, so to be recognized, and be in the public sector, is truly an honor,” said HR Director Dee Martin. “We have a wellness program that has been in place for over 30 years, and this award affirms this city’s commitment to employees. The program was created by Human Resources Manager Lisa Chrisman and was a grassroots effort by wellness-minded employees that was future-focused and quite innovative at the time.”

The 100 Healthiest Workplaces in America award is given to organizations for their dedication to employee health, with exceptional corporate wellness programming. Launched in 2009, The 100 Healthiest Workplaces in America is a national ranking that scores population health outcomes with applicants evaluated across six key categories: culture and leadership, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analysis.

“We take a holistic approach by creating an environment of support for our employees,” said Wellness Coordinator Nicki Leo. “Our long-term, strategic approach to our wellness program and benefits package creates a culture of care for our employees.”

The city was recognized in 2014, 2015 and 2016 as one of Colorado’s Healthiest Employers, however this is the first time the city has been honored at the national level. 

At the conference, the city was praised for keeping its health care cost increases to an average of three percent over the past six years, due in part to its medical plan design, wellness program, the Center for Healthy Living and an overall long-term strategy for health care.

“We’re proud of the city’s wellness program and benefits package, which have fostered a culture of well-being for our employees,” said Chrisman.