Syngenta Named One of America's Healthiest Companies

GREENSBORO, N.C., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) recently awarded Syngenta in the U.S. with its highest recognition — the Platinum Well Workplace Award for 2011. Syngenta, a global agribusiness, employs more than 4,400 people across 90 U.S. sites and 45 field locations.

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WELCOA defines a "Well Workplace" as an organization that fully embraces its responsibility for maximizing the health and well-being of its employees. Of its four designation levels, Platinum represents the pinnacle of results-oriented worksite wellness programming. It is granted to organizations forging new ground by linking health promotion objectives to business outcomes.

At Syngenta, employees have access to a comprehensive health-services program that includes:

• A qualified health-care staff who conducts free physical examinations, health screening and lab tests for employees, as well as counsels workers on health matters such as work-life balance, stress, weight management, nutrition and exercise.
• A Mobile Wellness Unit that travels to work sites to conduct free blood-pressure checks and cholesterol tests for employees and their spouses. In 2011, the Mobile Wellness Unit visited 77 locations in 28 states, screening 1,125 employees and 1,012 spouses.
• An incentive-based wellness program, called "Reaping Rewards," that lets employees earn up to $250 in cash per year for following a variety of healthy behaviors. These include getting periodic physical exams, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing their seatbelt, using a gym membership and other healthy activities. In 2011, 69 percent of employees participated in Reaping Rewards.

"Healthy employees make for a healthy company," said Chip Ross, wellness coordinator, Syngenta. "Research shows healthy employees are happier and more productive, and that translates into greater overall company performance."

Participants in Syngenta's Reaping Rewards program also had fewer health-care costs than nonparticipants. In 2010, the difference amounted to more than $925 per person.  

"Bottom line: It pays to invest in employee health because the return on investment is priceless," said Ross.   

This is the second time since 2006 Syngenta has earned the Platinum Well Workplace Award, a distinction only 700 organizations have ever achieved.  

About Wellness Council of America

The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) was founded over two decades ago as a resource for the nation's employers to turn to for building and sustaining results-oriented worksite wellness programs. Today, WELCOA has become one of the most respected resources for workplace wellness in America. With a membership in excess of 3,200 organizations, WELCOA is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all working Americans. Located in America's heartland, WELCOA makes its national headquarters in one of America's healthiest business communities Omaha, Neb.

About Syngenta

Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers, we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.  For more information about us, please go to www.syngenta.com.

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SOURCE Syngenta