North Charlotte Today

The City of Charlotte has been honored with the 2023 Gold Well Workplace Award by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), solidifying its position as a leader in the wellness industry. The City of Charlotte Wellness Works Program has been commended for its commitment to creating a thriving workplace and empowering employees to prioritize their wellbeing both at home and at work.

Human Resources Director Sheila Simpson expressed her pride in the program, stating, "I'm very proud of our wellness program. Our mission is to help employees thrive. The creativity and innovation of our wellness offerings make us one of the healthiest places to work and serves as working testament towards meeting that mission."

The city's wellness program was evaluated based on seven pillars, which included elements such as committed and aligned leadership, collaboration, a wellness strategy, an operating plan, initiatives that support the whole employee, cultivating supportive health-promoting environments, policies, and practices, as well as evaluation, communication, and celebrations.

Several highlights of the program stood out during the evaluation process. The City of Charlotte has successfully connected employees through wellness campaigns, fitness challenges, and events such as a water bucket relay and kickball tournament. Additionally, the program is aligned with the city's benefits, providing no- to low-cost care for employees and their families through near-site clinics.

Financial wellness is also a key focus of the program, with various initiatives in place to support employees in this area. These include financial empowerment workshops, life planning challenges, monthly financial wellness webinars, and a range of benefits designed to support financial health.

Recognizing the importance of mental health, the City of Charlotte offers a wide variety of resources to support employees in this aspect. Worksite programs, supervisory trainings, and peer-to-peer programs are all available to aid in the maintenance of good mental health.

The city's commitment to overall wellbeing extends beyond physical and mental health. Initiatives such as a mobile food pantry program and financial counseling have been designed to promote upward mobility and provide support to employees in need.

To further enhance employee engagement, the Wellness Champion Network has been established to coordinate, connect, and engage employees across all departments.

This is not the first time the City of Charlotte has been recognized for its exemplary wellness program. In 2021, it received the Silver Well Workplace Award from WELCOA. Furthermore, it has been named the No. 1 Healthiest Employer in the 5,000 or more employees category on the Charlotte Business Journal list for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.

For those interested in learning more about city jobs and benefits, additional information can be found at charlottenc.gov/jobs. The City of Charlotte's commitment to the wellbeing of its employees is evident through its comprehensive and innovative wellness program, making it a model for other organizations to follow.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.charlottenc.gov/CS-Prep/City-News/City-of-Charlotte-Wellness-Works-Program-Recognized-with-Another-Prestigious-Award