CHA named a winner of WorkWell Massachusetts Award

  Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), a community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville and Boston’s metro-north region, has been named a 2021 WorkWell Massachusetts Awards program award winner in the large group category for exemplary worksite health promotion. WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts (WWCMA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. The awards, powered by Healthiest Employers, recognize CHA’s achievements in developing, implementing and participating in corporate health improvement and wellness programs.

  CHA’s employee wellness program supports the well-being of coworkers, patients and community by fostering a health conscious and supportive culture. The growth of the program has been steady, providing access to a wide variety of programs that support self-care, movement, nutrition and rest. Annual offerings have included virtual exercise classes, financial and home buying seminars, discounts to programs at CHA Center for Mindfulness and Compassion and local fitness facilities, Blue Bikes and on-site CSA with Farmer Dave’s. Additionally, the program hosts a wide variety of internal engagement programs, such as a well-being podcast, team walking challenge, company cookbook, and virtual performing arts showcase.

  CHA Wellness Manager Rebecca Toutant attributes much of the program’s success to its support from employees, partners and department leaders. “The program is an opportunity for connection and community across ideas that unite us. It’s the daily passion, support, and engagement from people across the alliance that creates excitement each day,” she said.

  WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, a trusted national awards program that recognizes people-first organizations taking a proactive approach to employee health, to implement the awards. The judging is based on each organization’s Healthiest Employers Index, a metric based on six categories: Culture and Leadership Commitment, Foundational Components, Strategic Planning, Communications and Marketing, Programming and Interventions, and Reporting and Analytics. The questionnaire, scoring and benchmarking were formed with the help of a national, nonbiased group of representatives from the academic, medical and wellness communities.

  “Heading into our sixth year of the WorkWell Massachusetts Award Program, during a time of adversity, we commend these award-winning employers for putting their people first,” said WWCMA Board Director/Awards and Recognition Committee Co-Chair Archana Kansagra. “Their employees are empowered, connected, and engaged in their health, well-being, and community. Let’s learn from these best practices as we figure out the new normal.”

  Cambridge Health Alliance will be recognized for its best practices in employee health and well-being and receive its WorkWell Massachusetts Award on December 15 at WWCMA’s 10th Anniversary Celebration event at MOLTI on Moody in Waltham.