2010-04-13
Walking shoes will be part of the wardrobe for many of Oklahoma’s state employees on a special day that will have an emphasis on wellness. Governor Brad Henry has proclaimed Tuesday, April 6, 2010, Oklahoma Employee Benefits Day.
The occasion coincides with National Employee Benefits Day, which was established in 2004 by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. This year’s Employee Benefits Day has a special focus on Workplace Wellness.
“Along with our ongoing promotion of our OKHealth Wellness Program, I’m encouraging agency directors and administrators to allow walking breaks in the morning and afternoon,” said Philip K. Kraft, Executive Director of the state’s benefits office, the Employees Benefits Council (EBC). “We want to see state employees be healthier overall and one way to get there is by getting more active.”
Another step employees can take to help improve wellness in state government is by participating in a new survey about products in their vending machines. The survey, developed by EBC, the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Health, will help the agencies determine healthier choices for users.
Part of the governor’s proclamation of Oklahoma Employee Benefits Day says it is an opportunity to recognize the positive contributions of our state’s benefits office, the Employees Benefits Council, and the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board in recruiting and retaining outstanding employees.
“EBC is always working to make our functions work better and cost less,” Kraft said. “In terms of health insurance, we as state employees need to do everything we can do bend the cost curve. Well over 70 percent of claim dollars are attributable to participants’ lifestyles, including factors like eating habits, smoking, and lack of exercise. With its emphasis on wellness, Oklahoma Employee Benefits Day will be a great time to change unhealthy patterns and reduce our costs.”