OCO IMPACT Program to Host Wellness at Work Conference

Interested in the benefits of having a healthy workplace?  You’ll discover that and much more at the Wellness at Work Conference to be held March 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at River Vista, 810 South First Street in Fulton.

The Wellness at Work Conference is open to all Oswego County employers and is free to attend.  The conference is sponsored by the Oswego County Worksite Wellness Collaborative, which includes Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) IMPACT and Cancer Services Programs, Tobacco Free Network of CNY, Oswego Health, Oswego County Health Department, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Oswego YMCA.

The purpose of the Wellness at Work Conference is to provide employers with the information and inspiration they need to able to create a healthy atmosphere at their workplace and establish a wellness program for their employees.  Attendees will hear from other local employers that have already implemented wellness at work programs; discover the resources that are available to them; and learn how to apply for a $1,000 grant to help jump-start at wellness program at their workplace.

Research has shown that having a wellness program at the workplace benefits both the employer and the employees.  With most adults spending the majority of their day at work it is perfect place to promote a healthy lifestyle.  Creating healthier habits helps to improve physical fitness, lower stress, improve self-esteem, and increase productivity.  Wellness programs may also increase morale and engage employees by partaking in friendly fitness challenges such as 5K walks or runs and weight loss among others.
“A wellness at work program is a real win / win,” said Inga Back, MPH, Coordinator of Administrative Operations for OCO’s Health & Nutrition Department.  “Employers have found that wellness at work program result in:

-  Improved worker satisfaction
- Enhanced retention and recruitment of employees
- Fewer instances of illness and injuries
- Lower health care costs
- An increase in productivity

The benefits of a wellness at work program are substantial.  The presenters at the Wellness at Work Conference will educate employers about the significate return on investment they have achieved with their programs and what it takes to establish a wellness program.”
In addition to other employers the conference will feature presentations from area professionals that will outline resources that are available to help implement wellness at work strategies.  Health related vendors will also be at the conference.   
“To help jump start Wellness at Work programs resources are available to help coordinate a number of onsite services and activities including suggesting healthier options for vending machines and staff meetings, presentations on healthy behaviors, information on free cancer screenings, and much more.  I encourage employers to join us for this enlightening and informative event.” added Back.
The Wellness at Work Conference will be held March 15 from 9:00 am to 12 Noon at River Vista, 810 South First Street in Fulton.  Admission is free and you may register online at https://oswegocountywellnessatwork.eventbrite.com.  For more information contact Inga Back at 315-592-0837 or iback@oco.org.

Pictured here, from left, are Community Health Services Director with Oswego Health Brenda LaMay;  Public Health Educator/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the Oswego County Health Department  Sonia Marie Robinson; and Coordinator of Administrative Operations for OCO’s Health & Nutrition Department Inga Back.