‘Our Goal is to Have Healthy and Happy Associates’

When Thompson Health was elevated from Gold-level recognition to Platinum status in an American Heart Association workplace wellness ratings program late last year, it was no accident. 

In fact, the health system’s Wellness team had prepared a gap analysis to figure out how to attain the higher level within the 2024 Well-being Works Better™ Scorecard. They then implemented even more wellness programs and policies to enhance the many existing ones offered to associates. 

But it wasn’t about receiving recognition. 

“As a Wellness team, our goal is to have healthy and happy associates working here at Thompson. We follow the golden rule that ‘if you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t take care of other people,’” said Wellness Educator Kristen Seyfried. “By offering a variety of programs, initiatives,  and challenges, we are able to hopefully have a wider reach within our system, making sure all of our associates have the resources and tools to be the healthiest versions of themselves.” 

One of the new initiatives is that associates receive a discount for Wellness Wednesdays, when they purchase items from the salad bar in the cafeteria. 

“We’ve observed many of our regulars are pleasantly surprised when they reach the register and find that their usual salad bar items cost less than they did the day before,” said Director of Nutrition Services Rhashard Watkins. “This initiative, driven by Cora Lloyd and the Wellness team, has invigorated our selection with a boost in healthy options. We’ve indeed tracked the numbers and noticed a significant increase in salad bar visits on Wednesdays, reflecting our associates’ appreciation for these nutritious choices.” 

Through the Scorecard program, the American Heart Association offers science-backed recommended practices in areas such as health equity, burnout prevention, compensation, benefits, and more. Visit Heart.org/Workforce to learn more.