Hard Work Pays Off: Employees Get Recognition, Awards for Wellness Achievements

CAO Helen Robbins-Meyer, HR Acting Director Susan Brazeau and Wellness Coordinator William Erese book-end the four top wellness champions of 2014: Michele Curley, Terri Foster, Mary Crooks and Michael Tarrach.

We upped our veggie servings, lowered our cholesterol and stood side-by-side in support during 2013 as we dedicated ourselves to wellness. But those who really excelled at their efforts got extra recognition last week at the first ever Employee Wellness Awards and Recognition Ceremony.

“This event gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation for your support and participation in the 2013 Employee Wellness Program,” said Wellness Coordinator William Erese.

The 2013 outstanding four “Wellness Champions,” who scored Amazon Kindles, were Michael Tarrach, Michele Curley, Terri Foster and Mary Crooks.

Tarrach said he lost 100 pounds in 2012, which provided an incentive for him to participate in all the Wellness programs this past year.

“My motivation to become a Wellness Champion was to motivate and support others to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight so that they feel the same energy, happiness, and joy of living I am feeling ever since (my weight loss in 2012),” Tarrach said. “In my opinion there is no greater satisfaction than to being recognized for helping others.

Wellness Champion Michele Curley agreed, noting that a colleague confided that it was because of Curley that she got the biometric screening and found out she had high cholesterol.

“Kaiser ordered her medication right from the van and she picked up after work that very day,” Curley said. “This is more than enough pay off. I feel I changed a life.”

Erese said each of the winners actively engaged employees at their workplaces and “aggressively promoted” the wellness programs throughout the County.

“They were always looking for ways to impact the well-being of their fellow employees and share information with other wellness champions,” Erese said. “Most of all, they had a passion for wanting to help others.”

All of the wellness champions exhibited these traits, according to the wellness coordinator, but the winners “had more passion and consistency of promoting wellness.”

“I am particularly proud of the BHS (Behavioral Health Services) Zumba classes because I was able to initiate the classes at our location,” Tarrach said. “And fortunately, we are able to continue the Zumba classes at BHS in 2014.”

Twenty employees total completed each of the required Wellness activities in order to be eligible for an opportunity drawing. Ten of those were lucky enough to win iPads, donated by both Kaiser and Anthem Blue Cross.

The awards ceremony also highlighted other events and their winners, including  Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipe Contest, Thrive Across America, Mix It Up Challenge and the Amazing Race.

Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer welcomed the group and called the Wellness Program important for personal health, family health and the health of your colleagues.

“It’s been a great reward for employee morale.” Robbins-Meyer said. “When you’re healthier, you’re more productive and happier at home and at work.”

Read More: Employees Healthy Transformation Pays Off in Unexpected Ways

People from more than 20 departments were recognized at the ceremony, Erese said, all of whom he’s appreciative of for embracing Human Resources’ mission to wellness.

“The fact that we’re impacting someone’s life… I can’t ask for anything better,” he said.

“I am so grateful that the County is providing all these opportunities for the employees!” Tarrach said.
“I hope a lot of County employees will follow the Wellness Team’s lead and take advantage of it.”

Do you participate in Wellness programs? What’s your favorite? Tell us in the comments below.