Heart Association Recognizes YSU for Workplace Health Achievements

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown State University received silver status on the American Heart Association’s 2021 Workplace Health Achievement Index.

The status recognizes YSU’s achievements in workplace health, according to a press release. The American Heart Association’s scientific, evidenced-informed instrument rates workplace health programs and workforce well-being.

Created by AHA in 2016 with its CEO Roundtable, the Workplace Health Achievement Index is a free, web-based scorecard that looks at organizational best practices and aggregates employee health data to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of workplace health programs.

More than 450 organizations completed the index assessment this year, which evaluated the time period of July 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Of the organizations that completed the Index assessment, nearly all earned gold (43%), silver (31%) or bronze (19%) status. Organizations are provided with free benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify opportunities for advancement.

“The American Heart Association commends these organizations for their achievements in promoting a culture of health and well-being for their workforce,” said Tracy Behnke, executive director of the association’s Northeast Ohio chapter. 

“As employees continue to navigate balancing responsibilities at home and at work, it remains critically important to focus not just on the physical health of employees but mental well-being as well,” she continued. “We look forward to continuing our work with business leaders in our community in support of a healthier workforce in mind, heart and body.” 

In 2022, the association will introduce a reimagined index, the Workforce Well-Being Scorecard. Building on the legacy of the Workplace Health Achievement Index, the new scorecard will provide organizations with a way to measure the total health and well-being of their workforce, including the importance of the mental well-being of employees.

Participating organizations will receive specific, evidence-informed tools and services to help build and maximize effective cultures of workforce health and well-being.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.