As New Albany continues to attract business investment to the area and the robust employment growth that comes with it, Healthy New Albany has launched a new workplace wellness initiative to support employee wellbeing and help area companies reduce healthcare costs. HNA Wellness Works delivers a curated wellness journey for employees. The comprehensive worksite wellness program cultivates group and individual potential to improve overall health, efficiency, creativity, and productivity in the workplace, says Pamela Conn, HNA Wellness Works coordinator.
According to the CDC, worksite wellness initiatives are estimated to save $200 million in healthcare costs by 2030. “We believe that an inspired workforce is the cornerstone of a successful business and a thriving community,” says Conn. “Wellness Works enhances individuals’ lives and cultivates a more cohesive and resilient workforce.”
The initiative has already been adopted by both large and small companies, including Meta, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Bob Evans Farms, Inc., Bath & Body Works, Abercrombie & Fitch, New Albany Plain Local Schools, and Buckeye Innovation. According to Zippia:
• 52% of U.S. companies offer wellness programs.
• 72% of employers saw a reduction in healthcare costs after implementing a wellness program.
• The average return on investment for employee wellness programs is six-to-one.
• Wellness programs can reduce absenteeism by 14-19%.
• 87% of employees consider health and wellness offerings when choosing an employer.
Chamber Announces 2023 Delta Award Winners
The New Albany Chamber of Commerce honored Delta Award recipients that “set the standard for excellence and innovation in business practices and community involvement” at its recent Annual Meeting & Delta Awards Reception. This year’s recipients include OhioHealth, Outstanding Large Business; Thomas| Riddle Real Estate Group, Outstanding Medium Business; Elliott Cooper, Outstanding Small Business; The Miracle League of New Albany, Outstanding Program; and Shikha Iyer and Madeleine Naumoff, Outstanding Students.
Mershads Earn Foundation’s Community Service Award
The New Albany Community Foundation recently presented the Jeanne and John G. McCoy Community Service Award to Sara and Rick Mershad. The Mershads, who have lived in New Albany for 25 years and raised four children here, have been actively engaged in championing causes that help forge a stronger community, including health and wellness, lifelong learning, science and technology, and the arts. Their leadership gift to the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts helped assure its future and created Mershad Hall, one of the most utilized spaces within the McCoy each year.