Lockton Recognized as Healthy Workplace by American Heart Association

Platinum Fit-Friendly Worksite award acknowledges culture of health and wellness

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Aug 13, 2014, 10:54 ET

DENVER, Aug. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockton's Denver office received an award from the American Heart Association recognizing the office as a Platinum Fit-Friendly Worksite. The office received recognition for a culture that heavily promotes physical activity and nutrition in the workplace.

"At Lockton, we are committed to being a great place to work," said Chuck McDaniel, president and CEO of Lockton Denver. "Creating a healthy work environment for our Associates is just one more way to fulfill that commitment. We are honored to receive this award."

Since receiving the Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite Award in 2013, the office experienced an 11 percent increase in health program participation, making them eligible for the Platinum award. Other factors that contributed to their eligibility included a formalized wellness program, indoor and outdoor walking paths, on-site physical activity classes, discounts encouraging healthy food purchases, and training in CPR, AED, and first aid.

"At Lockton, we want each Associate to realize the power of health," said Shellie Weber, Vice President and Human Resources director at Lockton Denver. "By partnering with a comprehensive wellness vendor, we can provide a program that is integrated with the Associates' health benefits to achieve the company's goal of a healthier and more productive workforce."

The AHA Fit-Friendly Worksite program's goal is to promote change in the workforce by making employee health and well-being a priority. The Fit Friendly Worksite accolade is given to companies who work hard to provide a culture of corporate wellness within their organization.

To qualify for the platinum-level of the program, employers must:

Offer employees physical activity options in the workplace.
Increase healthy eating options at the worksite.
Promote a wellness culture in the workplace.
Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.
Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

Studies have shown that businesses that promote and provide a culture of activity reap the benefits through increased productivity, reduced absences, lower turnover rates, and reduced healthcare costs.

About Lockton
More than 5,300 professionals at Lockton provide 41,000 clients around the world with risk management, insurance, and employee benefits consulting services that improve their businesses. From its founding in 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri, Lockton has attracted entrepreneurial professionals who have driven its growth to become the largest privately held, independent insurance broker in the world and 10^thlargest overall. Independent researcher Greenwich Associates has awarded Lockton its Service Excellence Award for risk management for large companies. For five consecutive years, Business Insurance magazine has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." To see the latest insights from Lockton's experts, check Lockton Market Update.

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our mission drives everything we do. To improve the lives of all Americans, we provide public health education in a variety of ways. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or join us, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or any of our offices around the country, or visit heart.org.

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SOURCE Lockton