(Herkimer, NY – Feb. 5, 2013) Fifty three employees of the Herkimer County offices along with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County participated in an employee wellness program, Get Moving, which was sponsored in part by Herkimer County HealthNet.
The Herkimer County Get Moving Program is an interactive program aimed to assist employees with increasing or maintaining physical activity levels. Through a 14 week commitment, Herkimer County HealthNet provided incentive awards to employees who continued with the program at various completion levels including group fitness passes to Studio 55 in Herkimer. In addition, nine teams were formed in various departments in an effort to encourage participation.
The winning team for the Get Moving Program was the Herkimer County Child Support Unit (pictured). Their strategy incorporated strength training exercises during daily employee breaks along with their regular physical activity routines. Each member of that team was entered in a drawing for a chance to win final prizes.
Those final prizes included a bicycle from Dick’s Wheel Shop, Herkimer; a pair of hiking boots and a pair of hiking shoes from Melfe’s Shoes, Ilion.
The winners of those prizes are Jennifer Williams – Dick’s Wheel Shop bicycle, Jacqueline Barnes – Melfe’s hiking boots, and Dolores Edick – Melfe’s sneakers. Along with the winning team the program also had an individual winner, James Walker of the Herkimer County Real Property Department (pictured). James multiplied his goal more than 12 times. His name was also entered for the final prizes.
Adam Hutchinson, Executive Director of Herkimer County HealthNet stated, “The cost savings of providing health and wellness programs in the work place can be measured against both productivity and absenteeism among employees. Overtime is reduced to cover absent employees, and costs are also reduced to train replacement employees.” Adam Hutchinson also stated that wellness programs like Get Moving are effective tools that benefit both the employee and employer.
For more information about Herkimer County HealthNet, visit www.herkimerhealthnet.com.