The City of Sevierville, TN government was recently recognized as a Healthier Tennessee Workplace through the Healthier Tennessee initiative. The Healthier Tennessee effort is led by Governor Bill Haslam and made possible by The Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness, a non-profit corporation dedicated to enabling and encouraging Tennesseans to lead healthier lives.
According to Sevierville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Beth Penland, to become recognized as a Healthier Tennessee Workplace, the City was required to meet at least ten standards set by the foundation. “Through our comprehensive employee wellness program, we have an established history of promoting healthy lifestyles,” said Penland. “City employees are encouraged to exercise and participate in regular health screenings, including mandatory quarterly fitness assessments.”
Fitness Program Director Vickie Pinion, whose job includes management of the employee wellness program, can attest to the many benefits of healthier employees. “I see employees every day who are becoming healthier and have a much better quality of life. They are happier, more energetic and less stressed,” she said.
Studies have demonstrated that healthier employees have fewer insurance claims and medical costs, experience less absenteeism and are more productive workers.