Wellness Policy
The City of Pendleton recognizes that employees are critical to the City’s overall mission and understand that healthy and productive employees are better able to provide high quality, effective and efficient service to the public in support of that mission. Proven benefits of a healthy workforce include:
- Less sick leave
- Less absenteeism
- Fewer injuries
- Reduced health care costs
- Improved workplace morale
- Higher productivity
It is the policy of the City to encourage and promote health and wellness for its employees. This policy statement reflects support of a worksite wellness culture at the highest level of City Administration. Department Heads and supervisors are encouraged to set the example by: being aware of wellness programs and promoting them to their employees; allowing flexibility for employees to participate in programs; and participating in activities/programs.
“Wellness” may include nutrition, fitness, stress relief, disease management, physical and mental health. Administration and/or the City’s Safety and Wellness Committee shall research, review and implement programs in support of wellness as available and suitable. Such programs may include:
- Funding assistance for health club memberships;
- Free or reduced cost health screenings;
- Health fairs
- Flu shot clinics
- Posting/distribution of wellness tips and messages
- Ergonomic Evaluations
- Tobacco Cessation
- Weight Management
- Employee Assistance Program (free counseling services)
- Fitness challenges such as pedometers for walking competition
- Nutrition/healthy eating workshops
- Self-defense instruction
- First aid/CPR/AED training
All participation in worksite wellness programs is voluntary. Employees are welcomed and encouraged to participate in City coordinated worksite wellness activities. Programs that are sponsored and funded in cooperation with the City’s health insurance may not be available to uninsured employees.
The Safety and Wellness Committee has the primary responsibility for the development and promotion of wellness programs, but all employees are encouraged to contribute both through offering their own ideas and suggestions, and through participation in the wellness programs offered.
Personal health management is achievable through individual commitment. All employees are encouraged to engage in practices that will promote balance and personal wellbeing through healthy living.
