WorkWell Douglas County

The WorkWell Work Group promotes wellness policies and practices in workplaces with a focus on physical activity, nutrition and tobacco use by promoting a workplace culture of health by sharing results-oriented wellness best practices. The work group welcomes participation from employers, human resources and worksite wellness professionals interested in improving the health of workers in Douglas County.

Adults spend about half of their waking hours on the job. Worksites provide an optimal opportunity to initiate and support a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that habits formed in the workplace will carry over into the home.

Our goal is that Douglas County businesses value and support a culture of health in the workplace.

The Work Group supports efforts to:

• Assure opportunities for and encourage healthy eating and active living at work
• Develop and implement a communications strategy to promote and support workplace wellness
• Develop a public recognition program for employers who promote healthy eating and active living at work
• Recruit employee champions to advocate for implementation of worksite policies promoting healthy food/ beverages options and opportunities for physical activity
• Support Douglas County worksites in implementing policies, systems and environments that encourage healthy eating and physical activity

Recent Workgroup Accomplishments

WorkWell joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas hosting a Business & Wellness Symposium, highlighting efforts to encourage and support area employers who wish to participate in the Kids Are Good for Business Survey. This survey assesses employer policies and practices and identifies areas to create more family-friendly work conditions.

In today’s competitive recruitment/hiring environment, family-friendly practices can make a difference in employer’s success attracting and retaining quality staff.

LiveWell Annual Celebration Breakfast Awards

As part of its annual celebration, on Friday, November 19, 2022 the LiveWell Douglas County coalition awarded Culture of Health Action Awards to both coalition members and community partners whose efforts have helped improve the health and well-being of Douglas County residents. 

WorkWell recognized Linda Koester-Vogelsang, Administrator of the District Court for Douglas County. For many years Linda has implemented a variety of different wellness initiatives for both employees and visitors to the courthouse. She is a long-time member of the WorkWell work group and has been a mentor to many who have implemented work wellness initiatives in our community.

For more information about joining, go to Get Involved.

Work Group Leadership

• Chair: Janelle Martin, Associate Vice President for Development, SparkWheel - janellemartin321@gmail.com