HEALTH
Keeping the Workforce Healthy
Companies like NBT Bank, Loretto and Oswego Health invest in employee wellness By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
O
f the many truths underscored by the pandemic, the importance of maintaining a healthy workforce represents a benefit to every company. Many CNY employers are going beyond the typical health, dental and vision benefits to offer their workers more. NBT Bank, for example, provides an employee assistance program for workers who may need help with finding mental health and wellness resources, vacation planning and other information. Benefits include a
discounted gym membership accepted at more than 10,000 gyms nationwide. âOur Wellness Counts committee creates several additional opportunities throughout the year to support employees around the four pillars of wellness: financial, emotional, physical and social,â said Karen Bolcavage-Colosi, NBT Bankâs director of total rewards. These include financial webinars, guided meditation and yoga events. The group also hosts an annual virtual health and wellness week that offers
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interactive and informational sessions for employees on a variety of topics such as ergonomics, healthful lifestyle and weight loss, healthcare literacy and grief services. âWe truly mean it when we say our employees are our greatest asset,â Bolcavage-Colosi said. âThat is why we strive to expand on the resources provided and continuously cultivate an environment that enables everyone to feel safe to be their authentic self.â Of course, health benefits are important at Oswego Health and anyone on the health plan has no out-of-pocket costs for imaging, diagnostics, blood work and primary care. Employees at Oswego Health participating in the wellness initiative can receive up to 35% discount on their premium. The health system also promotes wellness among employeesâ families by providing benefits to the dependents in the home, whether the employee is full-time or part-time. These benefits include mental health