CPS named one of ‘healthiest workplaces’ nationwide

Concordia Plan Services (CPS) — the Synod’s benefits provider — has been named one of the 100 “healthiest workplaces” in the United States.

Concordia Plan Services employees celebrate being named a “Healthiest 100” workplace with a yogurt bar, fresh fruit and granola in their offices at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis. (CPS/Matt Madden)

The list of those award-winning workplaces was compiled by Healthiest Employers, a privately-held technology and data-research company based in Indianapolis that is focused on corporate wellness. Made public Jan. 15 and in its inaugural year, the list includes employers of all sizes, regions and industries.

“It recognizes employers who have comprehensively incorporated effective employee-wellness programs and practices,” according to a news release from CPS.

Rod Reasen II, president of Healthiest Employers, noted that “this highly selective award recognizes employers who demonstrate exceptional leadership in using wellness as a strategy to drive workplace productivity, employee health and community well-being.”

According to the Healthiest Employers eligibility criteria, “all employers who complete a state, regional or local ‘Healthiest Employer Index’ assessment and receive a score qualifying them as a ‘healthy workplace’ or ‘healthiest workplace’ within the ‘Healthiest Employer Wellness Maturity Model’ automatically advance to the semi-finalist round of the Healthiest 100 award program. Semi-finalists then complete the ‘Healthiest Employers Strategic Wellness Assessment’ in order to be considered for the Healthiest 100.”

“At Concordia Plan Services,” the news release points out, “the foundations of the wellness campaign are the ‘Be Well … Serve Well’ health and wellness programs and [the] corresponding ‘Be Well Rewards’ incentive program, which are designed to motivate all Concordia Health Plan members, including CPS employees, [to] establish and maintain healthy habits.”

CPS President and CEO Jim Sanft said that the “end result” of the Be Well … Serve Well initiative “is not wellness for its own sake. Through stewardship of self, we are better fit for the challenges that God has called each of us to take on. If CPS is going to be the champion and encourager of wellness among church workers, then we must be willing to be examples and lead the way for those that we have been called to serve.

“Thanks be to God for allowing CPS to be recognized at a national level for our commitment to health and wellness as we serve the ministries and workers of the LCMS,” said Sanft.

The news release points out that in addition to the Be Well … Serve Well and Be Well Rewards programs, “CPS also promotes healthy challenge competitions, ‘Lunch and Learns,’ an on-site exercise center [at the Synod’s International Center in St. Louis] and local running and fitness events. While employees are ultimately responsible for their own health habits, CPS is pleased to offer comprehensive tools and opportunities … which enable them to improve and maintain their health.”

For a broadcast of the 2014 award announcements and a slideshow featuring award recipients, click here and then on “Healthiest 100.”

Click here for a Reporter Online story about CPS being named one of St. Louis’ healthiest employers for 2013.

Concordia Plan Services administers health, disability, life and retirement programs for LCMS workers.