HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 02 26 Informational 502 Fitness Programs
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 502
Informational
February 26,2007
Regular Meeting
MGR. /DEPT
Authorization
REQUEST: City Manager providing the City Commission with information regarding workplace
fitness programs available to City of Winter Springs' employees.
PURPOSE: This agenda item is presented to provide infonnation to the City Commission regarding
employee wellness programs currently in place at the City.
CONSIDERA TIONS:
On February 12, 2007, the Commission reached a consensus to direct the City Manager to review the
procedures of area cities in regards to wellness programs. An article in the January/February 2007 issue
of Quality Cities Magazine discussed the issue of employee wellness programs.
Generally, many cities provide some fonn of a wellness program for the benefit of their employees.
Insurance carriers also recognize the benefit of wellness programs based on the correlation between a
healthy workforce and the level of outlay for medical costs. Additionally, local cities such as Longwood
and Altamonte Springs provide annual health fairs for their employees featuring chiropractic
presentations, healthy food presentations, physician counseling, free blood pressure checks, seminars on
healthy living, etc.
Currently, the City ofWintcr Springs has gym facilities located at the Winter Springs Police Department
and Winter Springs Fire Stations, which are available to all employees. Current plans for the new Fire
Station 28, to be located adjacent to City Hall, provide for gym facilities which will also be made
available to all City employees.
The City also provides free flu shots to employees. Approximately 50 employees participated in this
offering this year. Additionally, the City's current health insurance provider, United Insurance, provides
the following wellness programs to City of Winter Springs employees as part of their base health
Insurance program:
· United Wellness Program including:
o Health Assessments
o Health Improvement Tools
o Wellness Products and Service discounts
. Discounted gym memberships.
. Employee Assistance Program to include free employee counseling and health seminars.
. Discounted holistic (acupuncture, massage therapy, etc.) provider services.
. 24-hour nurse hotline.
Infonl1ation on these services is provided to employees by staff and our insurance broker at Open
Enrollment and Employee Orientation meetings.
Also, the General Services Director has been actively pursuing the feasibility of providing an annual
health fair for our employees. More infonl1ation will follow on this endeavor as it is finalized and
available.
FUNDING: n/a.
RECOMMENDATION: Informational.
ATTACHMENTS:
COMMISSION ACTION: