U-Haul Named Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite by American Heart Association

Eligibility for the AHA Gold Fit-Friendly Award requires worksites to offer employees physical activity support; increase healthy eating options at work; promote a wellness culture; adhere to a strict tobacco policy; and implement at least six physical activities, two nutrition activities and one culture activity that meets AHA standards.

U-Haul did all of that and much more in 2016, including the creation of the first annual U-Haul Active Day. Team Members across the U.S. and Canada were encouraged to take part in fitness events outside of work on or about Oct. 15. Some 300 Team Members and their families in the Valley participated in a 5K run/walk at Phoenix's Papago Park, an activity that raised more than $14,000 for the Pat Tillman Foundation, a U-Haul charity partner.

"Team Members are engaged, which proves they want to be healthy," said Jessica Lopez, U-Haul Chief of Staff. "This culture of wellness not only increases morale, but encourages our Team Members to be healthier. As a result, it increases productivity and creates positive results for our business. Being a part of this movement is incredibly rewarding. We are committed to this program."

U-Haul initiated major system-wide changes last year. Among those changes were: altering café and vending options to emphasize healthier foods and drinks; limiting designated tobacco areas; enforcing additional coverage fees for nicotine use and extreme BMI, including higher fees on management; offering exercise and weight management classes at its Midtown Phoenix campus and off-site facilities; reimbursing dietician fees and gym memberships for Team Members who work out regularly; and initiating "The Healthier U" program to create a dedicated wellness forum, lend support and nutritional advice, and communicate opportunities for healthier living.

"Workplace health continues to be an important way to improve the well-being of the workforce and your organization is a leader in this effort," Nancy Brown, AHA Chief Executive Officer, wrote in her congratulatory letter to U-Haul. "Thank you for your role in building a culture of health and providing employees with healthy choices."

The AHA Fit-Friendly Worksites program is designed to be a catalyst for change in American business, acknowledging employers who champion the health of their employees by creating physical activity programs within the workplace.

U-Haul was recognized with the Healthier Arizona Worksites Program's Gold Standard Award in June 2016. With a stronger commitment to Team Member wellness in 2017, U-Haul seeks to empower its current staff while attracting new motivated and qualified job candidates who place a priority on healthy living.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 139,000 trucks, 108,000 trailers and 38,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers more than 536,000 rooms and more than 50 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S. www.uhaul.com

Contact:

Jeff Lockridge
Sebastien Reyes
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 602-760-4941
Website: uhaul.com

SOURCE U-Haul International