What does being a healthy business mean to your organization? The Town of Silverthorne has had a robust wellness program for over 15 years and has been a Health Links Certified Leader for over 2 years. Being a healthy business means supporting your employees and their families to help them make choices that can improve their health and happiness. This is why many of our programs and activities are available to part-time and full-time employees, and benefitted spouses. Offering annual blood work/health screening allows us to evaluate aggregate reports and identify any areas of concern on an individual level and standing desks allow us to be comfortable and healthy throughout the day. Walking meetings and stretch breaks, cruiser bikes, working out during lunch breaks, monthly chair massages and many other activities are part of our healthy workplace culture. We are invested in the health, wellness and safety of our employees and are always looking for ways to better facilitate healthy behaviors of our staff, their family, and the greater community.

How does it reflect the company’s values and business goals? The Town of Silverthorne’s Recreation Department is committed to providing and promoting a safe and clean environment. A healthy attitude is achieved through quality facilities, programs and activities for all ages.  Every Town of Silverthorne employee receives a complimentary pass to the Silverthorne Recreation Center, and a discount for family members. The Town is committed to fostering a healthy, safe and happy workplace.

How has Health Links helped your organization build a culture of health and safety? Health Links created an employee needs and interest survey that allowed us to better identify how we can improve our health and safety activities based on our employee’s needs and wants. Our advising sessions keep us on track with our goals and keep us moving forward in the right direction. In 2017 we received a Health Links Accelerator award, a mini grant that allowed us to purchase 16 no smoking signs that were distributed around our Town buildings and parks.

What changes have you seen among your employees, their families, and the surrounding community as a result of your program(s)? Many staff members have become healthier over the years: several quit smoking, others began exercising regularly and sunscreen application is also improving. We offer an annual team Maintain Don’t Gain -Holiday Trimmings, a weight maintenance challenge held between November and January for all staff and the community. The fun program helps keep everyone motivated to stay healthy and fit during the holidays. Our staff report being healthier and happier during the holiday season after participating, highlighting they were able to maintain or even lose weight during the most stressful time of the year!

Does your health and safety program help give back to your community? Yes, we offer free events, such as safe summer kick off, bike rodeos, free day to the Recreation Center, free concerts, along with American Red Cross swim lessons, fitness classes and safety sessions. We also offer Cycle Silverthorne where the entire month of June is focused on cycling themed activities: yoga for cyclists, share the road forum, bike to business bingo and much more.

What tips or pieces of advice would you give to a business looking to create a healthier, safer, and happier environment? It is okay to start small, especially if you have a small budget. Creating the culture of wellness for employees can start with offering stretch breaks after sitting in a long meeting, bringing healthy snacks to share with the team, and encouraging seat belt and sunscreen use daily. Healthy employees are productive employees! Good luck!