October 4, 2024
Healthiest Employers® was started in 2009 as a way to celebrate companies that are putting their people first by investing in the health of their employees. In partnership with Springbuk, we are pleased to announce the 2024 Healthiest Employers of Illinois.
Each company filled out our annual Healthiest Employers application. The responses are scored Rubric style 1-100 scale. The assessment is made up of six categories with yes/no, multiple choice, and short answer questions, with each question totaling .25-3 points. A Healthiest Employers Index (HEI) is assigned to each application to help rank among companies of similar sizes. For information on how the applications are scored, please visit our methodology page here.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Healthiest Employers application asks employers about their current in office vs. remote work policy. According to the 2024 data, only 6.7% of applicants are completely in the office or work onsite. 3.3% are completely remote and 90% report hybrid or remote work options for specific roles.
Notable health and wellness statistics among our Illinois applicants include:
- 100% of Illinois applicants are providing options for employees experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression
- 83.3% of companies incorporate wellness in their corporate values and/or mission statements to emphasize the importance well-being plays in their employees’ lives
- 73.3% are analyzing gaps in care data when strategizing their wellness programs
- 83.3% host company-wide employee and family appreciation days/outings throughout the year
- 60.0% of applications indicate they have included childcare assistance opportunities; 36.7% are now also including eldercare assistance options
- 53.3% are providing Mental Health First Aid certifications for employees to support their peers
- 30.0% report they now offer paid maternity leave of greater than 14 weeks
Congratulations to all of our winners! Write-ups were only conducted on the top 3 winners in each category.
25 to 499 Employees
1st Connor & Gallagher OneSource
Lisle
120 Employees
Connor & Gallagher OneSource (CGO), an independent insurance broker based in Lisle, Illinois since 1997, serves small to mid-sized organizations. They specialize in business insurance, employee benefits, HR, payroll, and 401k plan services. CGO has in-house consultants and customer service teams dedicated to each of these areas. Their mission is to deliver exceptional customer service and expert consulting by providing custom solutions for insurance, human resource, payroll, and retirement needs while maintaining a focus on being insightful, accessible, reliable, and efficient.
Connor & Gallagher OneSource adopts a holistic approach to wellness programming, featuring a dedicated Wellness Manager and an online incentive tracking platform that rewards employees based on their activity. Employees can earn gift cards and a wellness credit in their medical plan. With the company’s growth over the past year, participation in wellness challenges and seminars has increased. The organization offers various wellness initiatives, including an onsite blood drive, nutrition seminars, access to mental health counselors, and onsite massage therapy, with more employees engaging in these programs than ever before.
Connor & Gallagher OneSource (CGO) promotes wellness across multiple areas:
- Physical: They offer annual walking challenges, on-site biometric screenings, and webinars about medical carrier wellness resources.
- Mental: The wellness manager hosts seminars on topics like managing holiday stress, incorporating mindfulness at work, and meditation exercises in partnership with Headspace. Employees also have access to the Spring Health platform for additional mental health counseling.
- Financial: CGO’s internal financial team and 401K TPA host webinars on topics ranging from budgeting to retirement planning.
- Social: CGO fosters social engagement through events like an annual company picnic, volunteer programs with Feed My Starving Children, blood donation clinics, and holiday "ugly sweater" parties.
Additionally, CGO offers unlimited PTO, operates in a hybrid work environment with employees in the office two days per week, and allows flexibility in choosing office days.
“Because we engage with our employees in a fun, interactive, and results-based program, we see people making real changes in their daily lives that will have a positive impact on our organization. Plus, with more employees working remotely, our flexible hybrid environment, and many social engagements throughout the year, we show how much CGO cares about our employees and their health.” –Luke Barnett, Managing Partner
2nd V3 Companies
Woodridge
319 Employees
V3 Companies, LTD is an employee-owned civil engineering consulting firm established in 1983, specializing in the design, construction, and maintenance of environmental projects. The company's core values include integrity, a commitment to excellence, a focus on clients, dedication to employees, and service to the community.
The V3 REVITALIZE wellness program is undergoing significant changes. Nearly two years ago, the REVITALIZE committee recognized the need to refresh a program that had maintained a similar structure for several years, despite winning the Healthiest Employer award three consecutive times. To address this, the committee began a comprehensive process to find a new vendor platform, dedicating many hours to vendor demonstrations and discussions to identify the best fit.
This commitment reflects the REVITALIZE committee's deep concern for the wellness of the firm, and while the transition to a new vendor will require additional effort, it is expected to rejuvenate the program and enhance benefits for all employees. Although user participation has slightly declined heading into 2024, the committee views this as a necessary step toward creating an exceptional program, highlighting the loyalty and trust of its many participants. The most valuable aspect of the REVITALIZE wellness program lies in the dedicated committee of employees managing it.
“The program is not just focused on being active and fit in our exercise routines or walking programs. The REVITALIZE Committee also puts in the effort to engage experts to talk about sleep habits, financial wellness, stretching/yoga, emotional awareness, and other key lifestyle topics that provide balance and health. The impact on V3 is evident when our team members are enthusiastic about their work life and vibrant in their activities outside of work.” –Greg Wolterstorff, VP of Innovation and Process
3rd Chipman Design Architecture
Des Plaines
118 Employees
Chipman Design Architecture is a full-service architecture and interior design firm specializing in restaurant, retail, and hospitality, innovative design, and prototypical site adaptation.
Chipman Design Architecture's mentor program is a key aspect of its organizational culture, with a 50% staff participation rate. Employees actively engage as mentors, mentees, or both, creating a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experience. The program empowers participants to set and achieve professional development goals, with mentors providing guidance on mastering skills, overcoming career challenges, and expanding networks. This leads to accelerated growth for mentees, seen in increased promotions and job satisfaction, while mentors find fulfillment in nurturing talent.
Beyond career advancement, the program enhances employees' well-being and work-life balance by fostering meaningful connections and a supportive community. Mentees not only gain career insights but also personal mentorship, often forming trusted relationships with their mentors. This support extends into their personal lives, resulting in greater employee engagement and fulfillment, which in turn contributes to a positive organizational culture. The program focuses on nurturing talent, fostering growth, and creating a thriving workplace for all.
Mental health is equally emphasized through an employee assistance program offering confidential counseling services and resources for various mental health concerns. The organization promotes work-life balance with flexible schedules, regular breaks, and mindfulness training to help employees manage stress effectively. Financial health is supported through competitive compensation packages, a 401k plan with a 25% employer match, and financial literacy workshops aimed at empowering employees to make informed financial decisions.
“I am immensely proud of our comprehensive well-being program. Our 360-degree approach to employee health, professional development, and wellness is central to our mission. We provide our staff with the support and tools they need to succeed, offering programs like in-house yoga and meditation with a licensed instructor, preventative health efforts through Healthiest You, gym reimbursements, and our Mentor program.” –Lauren Chipman, Chief Executive Officer
4th Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo – Brookfield – 254 Employees
500 to 1,999 Employees
1st Riverside Healthcare
Kankakee
1,989 Employees
Riverside Healthcare is a comprehensive healthcare system serving patients across Kankakee, Iroquois, Will, and Grundy counties, and beyond. Its centerpiece, Riverside Medical Center, is a 300-bed hospital providing a full range of inpatient and outpatient services. It is a nationally recognized, award-winning Level II Trauma hospital, known for its leading programs in heart care, cancer care, neurosurgery, and orthopedics. Riverside’s newly remodeled emergency room focuses on patient flow efficiency, upgraded technology, enhanced safety with advanced monitoring, and increased privacy. Renowned for nursing excellence, Riverside is the only Magnet® Recognized hospital in the region. In 2024, Riverside earned a Military Employer Designation and the Mental Health America Platinum Bell Seal for excellence in workplace mental health through its Employee Assistance Program.
Riverside Healthcare offers employees working 20 hours or more per week exclusive, complimentary access to Noom through its REACH Wellness Program. This benefit is extended to all eligible employees and their spouses insured under the Riverside Health plan at no cost. Noom, a proven weight loss program, provides participants with a tailored curriculum, personalized guidance from a dedicated 1:1 coach, access to an extensive food database for tracking, and transformative content aimed at improving well-being, confidence, and happiness.
As part of the 2024 REACH Wellness Program, Noom serves as a Reasonable Alternative for participants who do not meet or improve on 3 out of 5 key health measures. By participating in Noom, they can earn a Level 2 credit of $300 by logging two different activities weekly for 8 out of 12 weeks. Within the first six months of the program’s launch, 26% of participants experienced a combined net weight loss of 1,417 pounds.
“Riverside’s top priority is meeting our community’s health needs, and that community includes our employees. We encourage physical and mental health through REACH (Riverside Employees Actively Choosing Health) and our Well In Mind employee assistance program. Our staff has been very engaged in these programs, and we’re seeing the positive impact. We are proud of our efforts to help employees stay happier, healthier, and more engaged, which helps them deliver the outstanding care our community deserves." –Kyle Benoit, Senior Vice President
2nd AssetMark
Concord, California (Local Office: Chicago)
996 Employees
AssetMark is a leading independent provider of innovative investment and consulting solutions serving financial advisors. We provide investment, relationship, and practice management solutions that advisors use to help clients achieve their investment objectives and life goals.
AssetMark has prioritized preventive care for the past decade, emphasizing the importance of regular doctor visits to help employees maintain good health, identify risks, and build strong relationships with their healthcare providers. To support this, AssetMark offers a medical premium discount of up to 20% for employees, spouses, and domestic partners who complete an annual check-up and lab work. The annual check-up is covered at no cost under AssetMark’s medical plans when using an in-network provider. To encourage participation, the discount is promoted through various communication channels, and new tools from Vitality simplify the documentation and submission process. AssetMark urges employees and their families to prioritize their health, especially in light of the stressors caused by COVID-19, by scheduling their annual check-ups.
After discontinuing onsite screenings more than five years ago due to low attendance, AssetMark partnered with Quest Diagnostics to implement the Physician Results Form. This allowed participants to visit their preferred doctors at convenient times, fostering more meaningful health discussions. During COVID, alternate eligibility requirements for the discount program were offered, helping to build trust and confidence among employees.
“The health and well-being of our associates and their families is one of the top priorities here at AssetMark. Working in such a fast-paced and sometimes stressful industry, it is so important to remind and provide all of our associates with tools and creative programs to focus on wellness. We are proud of the implementation of various wellness and health programs that we believe contribute to healthier lifestyles, improved mental health, and a better work-life balance.” –Anthony Huynh, Senior Vice President, Head of Advisor Sales
3rd Busey
Champaign
1,490 Employees
Busey is a community-focused organization dedicated to helping customers and communities achieve their dreams. Since its founding in 1868, Busey has prioritized its associates and built close relationships with customers by offering comprehensive financial services. For over 150 years, Busey's core values, committed associates, strong customer partnerships, and thriving communities have remained the foundation of the organization.
At Busey, the health and well-being of associates and their families are considered essential and integral to the organizational culture. To support this commitment, Busey launched the B Well platform, which offers a tailored and engaging experience to meet associates' unique needs. Developed based on feedback, the program facilitates daily focus on wellness goals through various activities, incentives, and resources.
Key features of the B Well platform include intuitive access to benefits information and supportive programs, micro-learning content to enhance wellness literacy, data-driven personalization for optimal health outcomes, company-wide challenges to foster positive competition, digital coaching for various lifestyle topics and health conditions, and live wellness coaching to help associates set and achieve personalized goals.
Within the first two weeks of the program's launch, nearly 1,000 associates enrolled, increasing to over 1,200 (81%) by the end of the first month. Furthermore, 82% of associates responded positively to the annual engagement survey, stating that the organization cares about their overall well-being. In the past year, B Well has also seen a 52.3% increase in associate access to services through the Employee Assistance Program, reflecting Busey’s dedication to promoting wellness and supporting mental health.
“Prioritizing a comprehensive approach to achieving good health through a contemporary, state-of-the-art wellness platform, our 24/7 fitness center, gym reimbursements, online stress management, mental health, and financial literacy resources, Wellness Wednesday sessions, wellness coaches or simply encouraging associates to use paid leave exhibits our dedication to providing guidance and support to fit anyone’s individual needs. At Busey, associates are encouraged to achieve their wellness goals—one healthy habit at a time driving personal success through a genuine culture of wellness.” –Van Dukeman, Chairman and CEO
4th Midwestern University – Glendale, Arizona (Local Office: Downers Grove) – 1,703 Employees
5th Philadelphia Insurance Companies – Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania (Local Office: Naperville) – 1,939 Employees
6th West Monroe – Chicago – 1,798 Employees
7th StoneX – Kansas City, Missouri (Local Office: Chicago) – 1,788 Employees
8th Sikich LLP – Naperville – 1,599 Employees
9th Walker & Dunlop – Bethesda, Maryland (Local Office: Chicago) – 1,391 Employees
2,000 to 4,999 Employees
1st CNO Financial Group
Carmel, Indiana (Local Office: Chicago)
2023 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Winner
Healthiest Employers Hall of Fame Member
CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) secures the financial future of middle-income Americans by providing life and health insurance, annuities, financial services, and workforce benefits through brands like Bankers Life, Colonial Penn, Optavise, and Washington National. With 3.2 million policies and $35 billion in assets, CNO supports its customers' health, income, and retirement needs. The company’s team includes 3,500 associates, 4,700 exclusive agents, and over 5,000 independent partner agents, all guiding clients through financial decisions. CNO also prioritizes its associates' well-being, recognizing that investing in their health enhances engagement, productivity, and customer service.
CNO Financial Group recognizes the connection between well-being and the associate experience, emphasizing the integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) with well-being to create a supportive and empowering environment. Through Business Resource Groups (BRGs), CNO addresses the diverse needs of its workforce while promoting social connections and advancing well-being objectives.
In 2023, CNO hosted over 150 events focused on financial literacy, retirement planning, mental health, and caregiving, highlighting internal benefits and support programs. BRGs have also contributed to policy changes, such as increased parental leave and additional holidays. Monthly support groups provide safe spaces for discussions on societal challenges and mental health, with events like "Mental Health Told by the Voices of CNO Associates" spotlighting personal experiences.
CNO’s annual survey shows positive outcomes, with 93% feeling safe at work, 88% finding purpose, 86% pursuing healthy habits, and 81% feeling supported by their manager, reflecting the company’s commitment to inclusivity and well-being.
"One of the most impactful experiences was a virtual meeting with an ergonomics specialist who recommended changes to my workstation. These adjustments allowed me to transition from sitting for eight hours a day to frequent standing, which relieved my sciatic nerve pain. I've also greatly benefited from the health management program, which taught me the importance of a balanced approach to weight loss through proper nutrition, rest, and nurturing relationships. Incorporating meditation into my daily routine has been transformative. Starting my day by centering my mind and setting intentions has given me the tools to manage my emotions and lead a more peaceful life. Lastly, CNO offers various Business Resource Groups (BRGs), where individuals can find community, learn, laugh, and even cope with grief. I found solace in attending grief sessions facilitated by licensed counselors. I encourage everyone to embrace their wellness journey and take full advantage of the incredible benefits CNO offers!" –CNO Team Member
2nd Syngenta
Greensboro, North Carolina (Local Office: Downers Grove)
4,303 Employees
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources.
The company has introduced its new MyWellbeing program, which replaces the former Reaping Rewards initiative. This upgraded platform, launched on June 3, has already attracted nearly 30% of employees within its first week. MyWellbeing offers a wide range of resources designed to enhance physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, while also fostering community and social connection. The program is user-friendly and engaging, and employees can earn up to $300 annually through active participation. The company views this initiative as significant, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction.
Syngenta has adopted a comprehensive approach to address the key pillars of employee health, recognizing the importance of each in overall well-being. For physical health, the company offers annual physical exams, nurse coaching, wellness programs, and ergonomic assessments, and encourages regular physical activity through events like the Worksite Fit event and Jubilee 5K, along with fitness membership discounts. A new fitness facility is set to open at the Greensboro headquarters. In mental health, Syngenta provides counseling services, stress management workshops, and mindfulness training, while also offering Mental Health Safety Training to managers and employees. The company emphasizes open communication and work-life balance. Financial well-being is supported through educational workshops, retirement planning assistance, competitive benefits, and economic resources, including webinars by T. Rowe Price, empowering employees to make informed decisions. Social and community engagement is promoted through team-building activities, volunteer opportunities, and open communication, creating a connected and supportive environment within the organization and beyond.
“Our well-being program embodies our dedication to the comprehensive welfare of our employees, and I am proud of the positive impact this program has had on our U.S. employees. The U.S. sets the standard as we roll out similar initiatives globally, creating an empowering environment for all Syngenta employees.” –Filip Hemeryck, Group Head Global Benefits
3rd Bi-State Development
St. Louis, Missouri (Local Office: Downers Grove)
2,350 Employees
Bi-State Development (BSD) is a versatile organization focused on fostering economic growth in the St. Louis region. Since its founding in 1950, BSD has collaborated with public and private partners on numerous projects, generating thousands of jobs across both sides of the Mississippi River. The organization operates several key entities, including Metro Transit, Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Downtown Airport, a Research Institute, and the St. Louis Regional Freightway.
The company’s most distinctive offering is its partnership with CardiOptics Ultrasound Services. This collaboration provides employees, spouses, retirees, and their spouses with highly effective preventative screenings, which have proven life-saving over the past six years. CardiOptics has a radiologist who reviews every scan, and individuals receive a detailed report via email to share with their primary care physician if desired. In critical cases, the radiologist is available for immediate consultation, and a CD of the scan can be provided to expedite further medical attention.
The organization addresses the pillars of health in multiple ways, offering team members the flexibility to choose what works best for them. For physical health, there is access to on-site gyms at all 13 facilities, corporate discounts at four local gyms, on-site personal trainers, group fitness, and boot camp classes. Mental health is supported through various initiatives, including "Let's Talk" sessions led by a licensed clinical social worker, 24/7 access to Talkspace and Ginger, a counseling hotline, and free private therapy through an EAP program.
The financial pillar is covered with on-site financial literacy sessions, access to financial counselors, education on retirement and 401K, student loan assistance, tuition reimbursement, and webinars. Social health is fostered through private and public Facebook pages, union-specific pages, and active engagement on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The organization also volunteers with groups like the Urban League, United Way, and the American Heart Association. Team members can participate in various charitable walks throughout the year, including the Heart Walk, Sista Strut, and the Komen Walk for suicide prevention.
“The health and well-being of every employee is important to us, and I am proud that our team delivers on this message every day.” –Charles Stewart, Chief Operating Officer
4th Gilbane – Providence, Rhode Island (Local Office: Chicago) – 3,100 Employees
5th AmTrust Financial – New York City (Local Office: Chicago) – 4,420 Employees
6th MongoDB, Inc. – New York City (Local Office: Chicago) – 2,650 Employees
5,000+ Employees
1st CBIZ
Cleveland, Ohio (Local Office: Naperville)
6,841 Employees
CBIZ provides professional business services in accounting, tax, and advisory services as well as employee benefits and insurance services. CBIZ has over 100 offices and 6,000 team members located throughout the U.S. and serves organizations of all sizes and individual clientele.
Through Accolade, CBIZ has seen 83% of team members utilizing the platform to help find in-network providers, answer health-related questions, and explain coverage offerings. By participating in various wellness activities, employees can earn points towards discounts on medical premiums and prize drawings. CBIZ also encourages their workforce to give back to their communities by offering up to 8 hours annually to volunteer during work hours. Because of the many employees and offices throughout the country, CBIZ has also started a “Our Great People Great Place (GP2) program that focuses on fostering a healthy work environment, positive social opportunities with coworkers, and creating a great place to work. This program hosts onsite local office gatherings and workplace awards to bring employees together. Additionally, CBIZ offers various Employee Resource Groups such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and Pride to promote their continued DEI efforts.
“CBIZ continues to experience record growth and as we grow our business, we likewise continue to prioritize and invest in the health and wellbeing of our team members. We strive every day to bring one of our key core values, ‘Our People Matter,’ to life. In addition to our focus on well-being, we’ve made critical strides in strengthening our award-winning culture including the expansion of our Employee Resource Group offerings, which help to build community across our company and create new opportunities for our team members to connect and support each other. For the coming year, we plan to build on this progress and align more incentives to encourage more team members to take full advantage of these valuable resources and opportunities.” –Elizabeth Newman, Chief Human Resources Officer
2nd U-Haul International
Phoenix, Arizona (Multiple Local Offices)
16,371 Employees
2023 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Winner
Since 1945, U-Haul has been the #1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 23,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. In addition, they have a fleet of over 186,000 trucks, 128,000 trailers, 46,000 towing devices, 876,000 rentable storage units, and 75.1 million square feet of self-storage space.
U-Haul is very proud of their Virta offering, a clinically proven treatment to reverse Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and pre-diabetes. Through this treatment plan, U-Haul Team Members have been able to lower their A1c, lose weight, and reduce or eliminate the usage of insulin. Their mission is to sustainably reverse the conditions without the risks, costs, or side effects of medications or surgeries. 38% of diabetes-specific medications have been eliminated, insulin dosages have been reduced by 63%, and 16,000 total pounds have been lost through the use of this program.
U-Haul also strives to make healthy lifestyles attainable and affordable, which is why in 2021, they invested in a 54,000-square-foot corporate fitness center and on-site cafeteria where employees can order healthy meals for less than $5. While U-Haul is a vast corporation, its values are deep-rooted in family culture. From team-building challenges to the sharing of healthy recipes and tips, there is an unmistakable investment in everyone’s wellness journey.
“The wellness and benefits programs have helped me tremendously with my weight loss journey! As a work-from-home senior agent, the ‘Get Fit Program’ is one of my favorites because it has motivated me to go to the gym more, focus on my fitness goals, and be more active, especially since I am sitting for the majority of my work shift. The reimbursement incentive they offer not only helps alleviate the costs of my gym membership, but the check-ins incentive has me excited and ready to workout every day! I feel healthier, happier, and stronger!” –Leah Short, Senior Agent
3rd Burns & McDonnell
Kansas City, Missouri (Local Office: Downers Grove)
9,946 Employees
Burns & McDonnell, founded in 1898, is a full-service, 100% employee-owned company with over 14,500 professionals including consultants, engineers, architects, and construction experts. Operating from more than 75 offices worldwide, the team specializes in designing and building critical infrastructure with an integrated, solutions-driven approach.
Burns & McDonnell's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a standout feature, making them part of a small percentage of firms nationwide that have been 100% employee-owned for over 35 years. Employee ownership is automatic and free, leading to employees having three times higher retirement savings than non-ESOP participants. This ownership model drives their success and fosters a unique culture. The company takes a holistic approach to wellness, offering on-site benefits such as a health center, pharmacy, fitness facility, and counseling services. Additionally, they provide various virtual mental health resources, including counseling and texting therapy, ensuring easy access to quality care for all employee-owners.
Giving back is a core part of their culture, encapsulated in the guiding principle "We Invest for a Better World." In 2023, employees volunteered over 15,000 hours, raised nearly $400,000 for the annual Charity of Choice, and contributed over $5 million to United Way chapters nationwide. This reflects their commitment to community investment and improving the collective future.
“Through our comprehensive wellness program, we empower our employee-owners to take ownership of their health and well-being by providing them with the tools and resources they need to live healthy lives. I am proud of the high participation in our program, and as a result, we have seen a significant reduction in healthcare costs and risk factors for our employee-owners.” –Leslie Duke, Chief Executive Officer
4th TIAA – New York City (Local Office: Chicago) – 11,519 Employees
5th Black & Veatch – Overland Park, Kansas (Local Office: Chicago) – 10,440 Employees
6th CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc – Fairfax, Virginia (Local Office: Chicago) – 14,136 Employees
7th Terracon Consultants, Inc – Olathe, Kansas (Local Office: Lombard) – 6,450 Employees
