K-State Olathe awarded top level healthy workplace certification by the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 | Written by Megan Gould

 

OLATHE — On Feb. 2, Kansas State University at Olathe was named a Platinum Level Healthy KC Certified Organization by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. The certification recognizes employees' efforts to make K-State Olathe a workplace that promotes healthy living through balanced diet, exercise, tobacco cessation and more.

Healthy KC is a regional health and wellness program organized by the KC Chamber and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, with support from community wellness leaders. The initiative was created in 2015 in response to national health rankings showing a decline in the overall health of citizens in Greater Kansas City. As part of the program, the chamber recognizes companies for their efforts in promoting a culture of health in the workplace ranging from Honorable Mention to Platinum.

The platinum level designation is awarded to companies and organizations that exhibit a commitment to healthy living through its practices and culture. These include participation in the State of Kansas' optional HealthQuest Rewards Program, wellness challenges among employees, online healthy lifestyle seminars and more.

“K-State Olathe strives to follow the five pillars of health through programs and services offered to employees to achieve complete wellness,” said Roberta Robinson, manager of human services who led the certification application process. “We work hard to make our workplace a happy and healthy environment for all employees.”

Robinson and her team consisting of Andrena Keesee, director of site and facilities operations and maintenance; Nate Scherman, IT manager; Bryan Severns, director of food programs and services; and Andy Stout, laboratory/facility operations coordinator, work hard to foster an environment of healthy living on campus making K-State Olathe a top ranked healthy workplace in Kansas City.