August 4, 2023
In partnership with Springbuk, we are excited to announce our honorees for the 2023 Healthiest Employers of Central Florida! The winners from this year include a diverse group of organizations spanning from Clearwater Beach to Daytona.
The Best Places to Live in the United States 2023-2024 list ranks 4 Florida cities (Sarasota, Naples, Jacksonville, and Tampa) in the Top 25. According to the website, to make this list, the metropolitan areas of these cities had to be of good value, maintain a steady job market, and be a desirable location to live in.
As Healthiest Employers, these companies are working to ensure their communities remain desirable and competitive. Each year, all applicants are automatically entered into the Healthiest 100 Workplaces America award. Last year, 7 companies were named to this list:
- #3 BankUnited, N.A.
- #19 CNO Financial Group
- #26 U-Haul International
- #52 AdventHealth
- #53 Orange County Library System
- #55 Syngenta
- #69 Orlando Utilities Commission
* Please note that the employee count next to each organization only includes full-time employees.
78.6% of the Central Florida companies surveyed are on a hybrid schedule where employees are in the office on specific days. 21.4% work completely onsite or in-person and 0 companies are fully remote.
Additionally, some notable statistics from this year’s groups include:
- 92.9% have lifestyle programs or coaching opportunities available
- 78.6% offer annual stipends to attend conventions or courses
- 53.6% reported that leadership from their organization serves on health councils, boards, or organizations outside of the company
- 32.1% report their health and wellness programs have been in place for more than 15 years
- 28.6% provide an onsite clinic for employees and their families
- 10.7% of respondents indicated that they have incorporated “company-wide no meeting days/times each week” into their schedules
Congratulations to this year’s winners!
50 to 499 Employees
1st TLC Engineering Solutions, Inc. – Orlando – 480 Employees
TLC is an award-winning engineering consulting firm based in Orlando, Florida. They provide a variety of services on a global scale, recently expanded offices to 19 different states, and employ around 500 staff members.
TLC conducts “Stay Interviews” with new hires 75 days after employment, and more than 50% of them state that the flexible workplace schedule was a major factor in accepting their job offer. As part of the work-life program, employees can work from home three days a week, with the possibility of complete remote work accommodations if needed. Currently, 3% of the workforce is completely remote. Employees are allowed to adjust their individual schedules throughout the year to accommodate personal home life needs, such as changes during the school year and summer months. TLC prioritizes employees' family needs and expects them to take care of their families first. When working remotely, employees can adapt their work hours to suit family needs.
To balance face-to-face communication and teamwork, at least one office day in a week is designated as a "common day" when everyone in a unit is present at the office simultaneously. The firm posts an updated schedule on MyTLC webpage to help staff plan meetings and events with colleagues in-house. The TLC community heavily uses Microsoft Teams for real-time collaboration, allowing remote or traveling staff to be instantly connected. Video communication is encouraged, and everyone shares their cameras, sometimes even showing their family pets. The company provides all the necessary tools for efficient and practical remote work.
2nd Orange County Library System – Orlando – 282 Employees
The Orange County Library System (OCLS) is an innovative and award-winning library system known for increasing public access to education, promoting lifelong learning, and improving community well-being. It has a central library in Downtown Orlando and 15 branch locations in Central Florida. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, OCLS remained committed to its employees and was recognized as one of Orlando Sentinel's Top Workplaces in 2022.
OCLS places a high value on creating a workplace culture and employee well-being strategy inclusive of mental health. One of the unique benefits offered to employees at OCLS is the opportunity to earn more paid time off by participating in wellness activities. Both full-time and part-time employees can complete an Annual Health Survey to earn 4 hours of additional PTO. Additionally, employees can earn an extra 4 hours of time off by engaging in various wellness activities like well-being challenges, commuting to work, attending preventive screenings, or participating in OCLS wellness events. OCLS also incentivizes employees to receive COVID vaccines or boosters by providing additional paid time off to rest from potential side effects.
3rd Altamira Technologies Corporation – McLean, Virginia (Local Office: Tampa) – 360 Employees
Altamira Technologies Corporation advances National Security missions with intelligence solutions that are informed by mission experts and delivered by elite technical talent. They have served customers with deep support to space-based, cyber, operations, and intelligence tradecraft mission sets for over two decades.
“I have never worked for a company that offered so many opportunities for me to be engaged. They also provide me with financial webinars and access to speak with financial planners. If it weren't for Altamira, I may not walk or be as active as I am now.” – Anonymous Employee at Altamira
4th ReEmployAbility – Brandon – 70 Employees
5th I&E Construction – Wilsonville, Oregon (Local Office: Orlando) – 260 Employees
6th Corestream – Tampa – 124 Employees
500 to 1,999 Employees
1st BankUnited, N.A. – Miami Lakes (Multiple Local Offices) – 1,642 Employees
BankUnited, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BankUnited, Inc., is one of the largest independent depository institutions headquartered in Florida. They provide a broad range of consumer and commercial banking products and services throughout Florida and New York.
BankUnited’s wellness program has gained significant visibility and media coverage in various cities and nationwide. Over 80% of employees and their spouses participate in the program due to its unique and engaging options, such as self-care programs, mental health support, healthy eating rewards, life coaching, cultural competency, and workshops for art, music, and drama therapy. In response to the pandemic, the program has expanded disease management education with regular interactive webinars featuring local physicians providing valuable information. The foundation of the program centers on addressing real concerns for individuals and promoting holistic well-being.
Through the wellness program, BankUnited has partnered with Cleveland Clinic, Baptist Health, and Memorial Health Systems as well as licensed mental health workers and clinical psychologists offering educational webinars, one on one consults, and special workshops to address the concerns that arose as a result of the global pandemic.
2nd Orlando Utilities Commission – Orlando – 1,195 Employees
Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is a municipally-owned public utility providing water and electric service to the citizens of Orlando, Florida, and portions of adjacent unincorporated areas of Orange County, as well as St. Cloud, Florida, in Osceola County.
In an effort to improve the work-life balance and promote equity, OUC developed a new policy providing eligible employees with 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave for the birth or adoption of a child. This policy allows for greater flexibility, enabling employees to initiate the leave up to four months after the qualifying event. The new benefit aims to support employees' work-life balance, physical, mental, and spiritual health. It became effective on January 1, 2023, and is being closely monitored for its impact on employee wellness, productivity, and job satisfaction. With an average of 30 births annually among employees’ families, this benefit represents a significant investment in employee well-being.
Over the past two years, OUC has also invested in mental health resources like Talkspace and various other employee well-being programs. They also prioritize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts and offer financial wellness resources through Fidelity. Mental health remains a top priority across the company and OUC continues to expand upon current offerings.
3rd Children’s Home Society of Florida – Orlando – 1,107 Employees
Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) leads the way in developing and delivering solutions that drastically change life trajectories for children and families. We’re different because we invest in lasting solutions, not short-term fixes. We empower children and families to cross bridges that lead to success. We provide Behavioral Health Services, Early Childhood Education, Case Management, and Community Solutions for children and families.
Children’s Home Society of Florida's Wellness Program offers a range of unique benefits for its 1,100 team members. Examples include $0 copays for diabetic medicine and supplies, premium discounts for routine physical exams, medical premium holidays, Noom weight loss support discounts, and free fitness classes. Team members can earn a free Apple Watch by completing activity goals. The program adapted to virtual and hybrid work environments, hosting a successful virtual health fair with various presentations, breakout rooms, and prizes. The dedicated wellness portal, Self-Care University, offers easy access to programs, challenges, online classes, workouts, and healthy recipes. Team members earn points for participation, which enters them into prize drawings. The portal's social features facilitate collaboration and teamwork. The program's success is evident, with 43% of the population using the portal, over 4907 log-ins in 2022, and 14.37 million steps logged.
4th NASCAR – Daytona Beach – 1,233 Employees
5th InComm Payments – Atlanta, Georgia (Local Office: St. Petersburg) – 1,951 Employees
6th Tavistock – Windermere – 1,674 Employees
7th City of Clearwater – Clearwater – 1,582 Employees
8th Henderson Engineers – Lenexa, Kansas (Local Office: Tampa) – 905 Employees
2,000 to 4,999 Employees
1st CNO Financial Group – Carmel, Indiana (Local Office: Orlando) – 3,400 Employees
CNO Financial Group, Inc. secures the future of middle-income America by providing health insurance, life insurance, and retirement solutions through their family of brands: Bankers Life, Colonial Penn, Washington National, Optavise, PMA USA, 40/86 and myHealthPolicy.com.
CNO also commits to the well-being of their associates by recognizing that personal health improves engagement, productivity, and customer service. CNO emphasizes the strong link between employee well-being and the overall employee experience. They value a culture that encourages diversity, support, celebration, connection, and the recognition of diverse voices through their Business Resource Groups (BRGs). These BRGs are intentionally designed to promote well-being by hosting over 150 events focusing on physical, mental, and financial well-being. The events cover a wide range of topics, including financial literacy, mental health, gender identity, and more.
CNO also launched monthly support groups to facilitate honest conversations around societal issues and unique challenges faced by BRG communities, addressing mental well-being. Their Mental Health Told by the Voices of CNO associates event was a huge success, engaging nearly 700 associates and making a significant impact on addressing mental health stigma. Thanks to this approach, CNO witnesses positive results in their culture and programs, with high percentages of employees feeling safe, finding purpose in their work, and viewing their programs as important.
2nd Syngenta – Greensboro, North Carolina (Local Office: Alva) – 4,435 Employees
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources.
At Syngenta, the Reaping Rewards program encourages a healthy lifestyle and overall well-being for employees. The program covers mind, body, and spirit aspects, providing opportunities to earn up to $300 annually for engaging in healthy behaviors. Mental health is a priority, with Mental Health Safety Leadership Training for over 400 leaders and webinars for all employees. The company offers Employee Assistance Program sessions and comprehensive mental health coverage in health insurance. Flexible work schedules and a generous vacation policy aim to promote work-life balance and support employees' well-rounded and productive lives. Syngenta takes a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health throughout the organization and provides 100% coverage for mental health costs outside of medication through its health insurance policies.
3rd Qorvo – Greensboro, North Carolina (Local Office: Apopka) – 4,408 Employees
Qorvo supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that make a better world possible. They combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise, and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve customers' most complex technical challenges.
Qorvo's health and well-being program, Life+, includes a robust musculoskeletal health initiative. They implemented Kaia Health, a digital therapy treatment for back and joint pain, providing employees with a personalized care plan and AI-based Motion Coach for PT-grade feedback 24/7. Virtual wellness breaks, physical therapy clinic partnerships, chair massage events, and Theragun devices were also introduced to support musculoskeletal health. The program's success is evident from the significant decrease in members with musculoskeletal diagnoses, claimants, and paid claims for musculoskeletal issues year over year. These initiatives have effectively improved the musculoskeletal health of Qorvo's employees.
4th Gilbane – Providence, Rhode Island (Local Office: Orlando) – 3,005 Employees
5th City Furniture – Tamarac – 2,711 Employees
6th Orange County Sheriff’s Office – Orlando – 2,262 Employees
5,000+ Employees
1st Advent Health – Altamonte Springs – 83,000 Employees
AdventHealth is one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health care providers, known worldwide for the expert, compassionate, and individualized care given to patients annually.
AdventHealth’s Employee Health and Well-being Team cares for team members' whole person health by focusing on programs that address Mind, Body, and Spirit well-being. Their philosophy is centered around the "CREATION Life" Principles: Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal Relationships, Outlook, and Nutrition.
The Employee Health and Well-being Team at AdventHealth offers a live-virtual "Mental Health Matters" education series, aiming to prioritize team members' mental well-being and reduce stigma around mental health. These hour-long sessions, held at least twice a month, feature internal and external experts covering topics like grief recovery, building healthy relationships, compassion fatigue, and depression. Since its inception in 2020, 3,381 team members have attended, with 94% finding the sessions effective in providing strategies for improving their mental well-being. The program has also fostered a supportive community, reassuring team members that they are not alone in their struggles.
2nd Seminole County Public Schools – Sanford – 10,000 Employees
Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) is the 12th largest school district in Florida and is 60th nationally with more than 68,000 students and more than 10,000 employees. SCPS is a leader in education throughout Central Florida and the State and is widely recognized as a Premier National School District.
The Seminole County Public School Wellness Department has implemented a successful Wellness Champion program at each of its 69 sites. These champions act as liaisons to the wellness team, promoting engagement in activities and offering unique opportunities for employees. In response to post-pandemic concerns, the program was revised to focus on increasing Physical Wellness, Mindfulness, and Social Connection. The innovative approach led to a variety of educational programs, team sports competitions, community service events, mindfulness seminars, nutrition classes, and more.
Throughout the district, over 400 unique events were organized across campuses, along with 50 programs at the district level, fostering social camaraderie and engagement. The community's collective effort resulted in increased participation in wellness activities, more preventative screenings, and a notable decrease in chronic conditions. The program's impact has been significant, promoting overall well-being in the school community.
3rd U-Haul International – Phoenix, Arizona (Multiple Local Offices) – 17,170 Employees
U-Haul, a leading provider of do-it-yourself moving services, operates a vast network of locations across the United States and Canada. With a fleet of trucks, trailers, and towing devices, as well as self-storage facilities and propane services, U-Haul is a prominent player in the industry.
They have been recognized as a top employer for veterans and a health-conscious workplace. To further support mental well-being, U-Haul introduced a Mindset App Reimbursement program in 2022, covering mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation techniques. Executive leadership actively promotes these benefits and encourages team members to utilize them and seek the help they need. The onsite medical clinic integrates mental health benefits into its services, with providers trained to assist team members in accessing the appropriate resources.
4th Burns & McDonnell – Kansas City, Missouri (Local Office: Orlando) – 8,408 Employees
5th Westgate Resorts – Orlando – 6,100 Employees
6th CBIZ – Cleveland, Ohio (Local Office: Maitland) – 6,471 Employees
7th Terracon, Inc. – Olathe, Kansas (Local Offices: Tampa, Winter Park) – 5,554 Employees
