Alberta Blue Cross introduces new workplace wellness web site to support employers

EDMONTON, Feb. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Promoting wellness at work is gaining ground as one of the best investments an employer can make in helping its employees to stay healthy. But where to start? Alberta Blue Cross has launched a practical new web site to answer that question.

Designed as a one-stop shop for any employer who is ready to start taking steps toward promoting workplace wellness, www.workplacewellnessonline.ca is a useful online resource that includes a section highlighting best practices and success stories, a section containing a wide variety of workplace wellness resources and references, a listing of relevant upcoming events, and a downloadable "toolkit" providing an easy step-by-step approach to incorporating wellness in the workplace.

The web site also provides a link to a new Alberta Workplace Wellness discussion group on Linked In. This group provides a forum where employers of any size—or any individuals with an interest in workplace wellness—are invited to collaborate on workplace wellness by sharing ideas and successes, making connections, asking questions or seeking advice.

As Alberta copes with a labour shortage, employers are increasingly recognizing the value of emphasizing workplace wellness. Supporting employees to be healthy at work keeps organizations healthy while protecting what is arguably any employer's most valuable asset—its employees—with reduced absenteeism due to illness, and increased productivity due to better health.

As Alberta's largest benefits carrier, Alberta Blue Cross administers over 5,000 group benefit plans for employers across the province—ranging from those with as few as two employees up to tens of thousands. As such, the organization has a keen interest in promoting workplace wellness.

The workplace wellness web site will be updated on a continual basis with additional resources and information.

SOURCE: Alberta Blue Cross

Brian Geislinger, Vice-President of Corporate Relations, Alberta Blue Cross, at 780-498-8086.