Meijer Credited for Employee Wellness

It’s good to give credit where credit’s due. And as we come to the end of this unsettling year, it’s nice to know there’s a retailer getting recognized for what’s arguably the most important achievement of all: healthy, happy employees.

In a press release out this week, Meijer announced that it had received three separate awards touting its employee wellness efforts. There’s the “Fit Friendly Company” designation from the American Heart Association, the “Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles” recognition from the National Business Group on Health, and the “Most Effective Plan Implementation” for its health care plan, awarded by Consumer Directed Health Care Solutions Magazine.

Whew. That’s quite a list, and it relects Meijer’s decision to focus on employee wellness and stick with it, even through trying times. In addition to its highly touted benefits package, the company offers the day-to-day perks that make a difference over time, like swapping healthier food into its vending machines and the “Wellness Wednesdays” promotion at its corporate office that encourages employees to get out and take a walk during the work day.

We’re not surprised at the accolades. Two years ago, we gave Meijer our own award — the “Whole Health Enterprise Award”. In his cover story, my colleague Bob credited the company for its savvy, sensible approach to health and wellness.

Doesn’t look like much has changed.