Lee Health: Empowering employees through workplace wellness program
Lee Health’s mission is to be a trusted partner, empowering healthier lives through care and compassion. We aim to fulfill our mission in many different ways – within the walls of our hospitals, physician and outpatient offices, and in our community. One specific example of being a trusted partner is our Workplace Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program, whereby we work with local businesses to educate and empower their employees to manage their chronic health conditions and find work-life balance. Arthrex Inc. recently hosted the program and found it beneficial for employees and the company.
“Hosting the Workplace Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program offers employees education and support, which can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life,” explains Barbara Cotes, wellness specialist at Arthrex. “For employers, these programs can lead to reduced health care costs, improved productivity and a healthier workforce. Additionally, offering these programs demonstrates a commitment to employee wellness, which can improve employee morale and job satisfaction.”
Sharon Krispinsky, RN, BSN, CDCES, chronic health program coordinator with Lee Health Solutions, facilitates the program with another leader, including the sessions at Arthrex. “This evidence-based program is one of many offered by the Self-Management Resource Center,” she says. “Throughout the twice weekly meetings over six weeks, we cover several aspects of wellness, like stress, sleep, pain and fatigue, physical activity, nutrition and even time management. Chronic conditions are better managed when we focus on and make improvements to all of those elements of health.”
Barbara says engagement and participation was high from employees during the program. “I hope they gained the knowledge and skills, and sense of empowerment and confidence to manage their chronic conditions and health,” she says. “This program is a valuable tool, and companies interested in offering it should consider their employees’ needs and preferences, and they should promote the program effectively and could even provide incentives to encourage participation.”
As a community health system, and the largest employer in Lee County, we are proud to help other employers and their teams gain confidence and inspiration in their health journeys. Thank you, Barbara and the team at Arthrex, for trusting us to partner with you to help your teams live healthier lives.
For more information about the Workplace Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program, call 239-343-9265.
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Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA is the president & CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for health care offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit www.LeeHealth.org to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lee Health: Empowering employees through workplace wellness program
