Smithfield Employers Honored for Healthy Workplaces

In recognition of Rhode Island employers’ successful efforts to keep employees healthy, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) together with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) distributed Worksite Health Awards to 75 employers, including five Smithfield companies.

The following local companies were recognized for providing healthy workplaces: 

Bryant University, Exemplary 
FGX International, Superior         
Navigant Credit Union, Achievement 
Smithfield Public Schools, Achievement 
Town of Smithfield, Exemplary   

The Smithfield employers were honored at the 19th Annual Worksite Health Awards ceremony along with more than 300 fellow members of the business community gathered to celebrate their collective efforts at improving the health and wellness of thousands of Rhode Island employees and their families. 

“Our Worksite Health Award winners are proof that it is possible to squeeze health and fitness into our busy lives,” said Peter Andruszkiewicz, BCBSRI president and CEO. “These organizations have succeeded in integrating health and fitness into their company cultures. They are a testament to the positive impact wellness can have on employee performance and, ultimately, on an organization. BCBSRI commends these organizations for their commitment to their employees’ health and well-being.”

 “This year’s Worksite Health Award winners have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to helping their employees improve their health and well-being,” said Laurie White, president of the GPCC. “They have seized an important opportunity to encourage healthy habits and prevent health problems among employees and their families, which is much deserving of recognition.” 

Dr. Peter Salgo, a professor at Columbia University, an Emmy Award-winning medical journalist and a practicing surgeon, was the keynote speaker for the event. He said, “It is not enough to trust our physicians or our employers to keep us out of trouble. We all have an obligation to lead healthier lives.” 
        
Rhode Island businesses were invited to apply for the award by submitting proof of health and wellness programs and health-oriented workplace policies. Winners were chosen based on the number, variety and impact of those initiatives. Some of the most impactful worksite offerings included smoking cessation programming, flu immunization clinics, blood pressure screenings and walking programs. All Rhode Island businesses are eligible for Worksite Health Awards, which are awarded annually.