November 6, 2024
Healthiest Employers® was started in 2009 to celebrate companies that prioritize their people by investing in their employees' health. In partnership with Springbuk, we are pleased to announce the 2024 Healthiest Employers Western Pennsylvania.
Each company filled out our annual Healthiest Employers application. The responses are scored using a rubric-style 1-100 scale. The assessment consists of six categories, with yes/no, multiple-choice, and short-answer questions, each totaling .25-3 points. A Healthiest Employers Index (HEI) is assigned to each application to help rank among companies of similar sizes. Please visit our methodology page here for information on how the applications are scored.
Congratulations to our winners this year!
1st UPMC
Pittsburgh
96,000 Employees
UPMC, a healthcare provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh, prioritizes innovative, personalized well-being programs for its employees and their families. By incorporating employee feedback, UPMC tailors its offerings to meet diverse needs through flexible options. While population health and physical wellness have long been central to UPMC’s strategy, the organization is equally committed to supporting employees' financial and mental health. UPMC actively promotes awareness and access to behavioral and mental health resources, ensuring employees find the right level of support. Additionally, it provides tools to guide financial wellness, fostering a balanced focus on employees' physical, emotional, and financial well-being for a healthier workforce.
In 2023, UPMC broadened services at its employee health clinic, MyHealth@Work, to include screenings, care, and treatment for anxiety and depression. Screenings using GAD-7 and PHQ-2 tools are conducted at every visit, regardless of the visit’s purpose, to enable early detection and connection to resources. Behavioral health appointments are now accessible within 24 hours for all UPMC employees, their spouses/partners, and dependents aged 18 and older, regardless of insurance, and are offered at no cost. These services include medication management, with referrals to resources like the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support. More complex cases are directed to higher-level interventions, such as psychiatry.
UPMC offers medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, along with supplemental hospital care, health coaching, personalized wellness programs, low-cost gym memberships, and access to 15,000 free virtual fitness classes. Onsite and virtual health clinics are available for employees. Emotional support includes generous paid time off, family leave, an Employee Assistance Program (LifeSolutions), behavioral health support, family building assistance, and backup care for children and seniors. Financially, employees benefit from a savings plan, a cash balance pension plan, life and disability insurance, tuition and student loan assistance, and critical illness coverage. Social and purpose-driven support includes a well-being platform with social media features, wellness campaigns, employee resource groups, community volunteer opportunities, and discounts through an employee perks program.
“My health journey began in January 2014 when my self-image and quality of life had grown uncomfortable. I was overweight and had a great burden of caring for my ailing spouse and a parent (both of whom have since passed). I created a list of goals and reasons to lose weight and I keep these on my desk to this day. I am fortunate to work for UPMC where a healthy lifestyle is encouraged and supported. I have participated in every hospital promotion which poses a health challenge. I've participated in the Weight Race, Take a Healthy Step, and worked with a health coach. I also participate in circuit training in our onsite gym with one of our personal trainers and health coaches. I have reached a healthy weight and maintained it for over 7 years now. My cholesterol, glucose, and all other lab work numbers are excellent. I have the energy to walk my dogs, do all my housework, and enjoy many physical activities (biking, hiking, bowling, golf, and more). I am able to perform my job with a high level of energy and enthusiasm for work and for life! I believe my success is attributed to my self-determination, support from those I sought out, and the programs available to me through UPMC. I have a health coach, nutritionist, and any other source of help and inspiration I desire right here at work.” –Anonymous Team Member
2nd Independence Health System
Greensburg
5,101 Employees
Independence Health System, established in 2023 from the merger of Excela Health and Butler Health System in Western Pennsylvania, delivers nationally recognized care in specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, palliative care, and maternity, along with comprehensive medical, surgical, emergency, and behavioral health services. Serving a region spanning over ten counties, the system includes five hospitals, a network of nearly 1,000 healthcare providers, and over 7,000 employees, making it the largest employer in Butler and Westmoreland counties. It offers a broad range of tertiary services, with centers of excellence in cancer, stroke, cardiovascular care, bariatrics, robotic surgery, and orthopedics. Additionally, the system supports medical education through a family medicine residency program and a nurse anesthesia training program.
Independence Health System addresses all pillars of health with a comprehensive support system that includes daily activities, group courses, personalized support, and both on-site and virtual classes. The Independence Health System Well-Being Center provides a wide array of programs, such as group exercise, personal training, nutritional counseling, stress management, weight management, health coaching, and healthy eating initiatives. The center offers both in-person and virtual learning options, making participation accessible. Monthly “Lifestyle Coaching” sessions cover topics in nutrition, exercise, cardiology, pulmonology, and oncology, focusing on healthy weight, physical activity, heart and lung health, and diabetes management. Cooking classes are available on-site or via Zoom to allow for at-home participation.
The system also provides financial consultations, with investment and retirement specialists on-site several times a year to assist employees with financial planning. Independence Health System’s cafeterias participate in the “Good Food Healthy Hospitals” initiative, offering nutritious, locally sourced food options, supported by the Hospital/Health System Association of Pennsylvania. Additionally, a newly launched in-house Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers employees and their immediate family support for financial, mental health, and stress-related concerns, as well as crisis support and connections to community resources.
“Independence Health System’s mission to have a positive impact on the lives of every individual we touch starts with our employees. This unwavering commitment is evident in our robust wellness team and wide-ranging programs. Providing the tools and resources that promote wellness, we are encouraging and supporting our employees and their families in their pursuit of personal health and well-being.” –Laurie English, Senior Vice President of Human Resources
3rd U-Haul International
Phoenix, Arizona (Multiple Local Offices)
16,371 Employees
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, their 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
4th Covestro, LLC
Pittsburgh
4,430 Employees
Covestro is a leading supplier of premium polymers, with materials and application solutions present across many aspects of modern life. Innovation and sustainability guide the ongoing development of its products, processes, and facilities.
Covestro’s myTotal Wellbeing (MTWB) program offers a unique range of incentivized activities for employees and their spouses or domestic partners, accommodating various levels of wellness engagement and readiness for change. The program rewards participation in traditional wellness activities like vision, dental, and biometric screenings, as well as in more flexible activities, such as gym memberships, financial wellness campaigns, mindfulness sessions, charity events, and social team activities.
In 2023, MTWB introduced quarterly activities alongside annual offerings, allowing participants to earn credit for a total of 72 activities over the year. The Covestro community completed 12,540 of 13,560 activities attempted, reaching a 92.4% completion rate. Mental and emotional wellness utilization reached unprecedented levels, with EAP logins increasing by 281%, EAP page views by 203%, and Skill Builder completions by 540% compared to 2022.
The MTWB program is designed to meet participants wherever they are on their wellness journey, supporting them in advancing to the next level. In 2023, the program saw a 3% increase in employees who earned an annual wellness incentive and a 15% rise in those enrolling in health coaching after completing an initial Personal Health Review. Covestro’s MTWB program demonstrates ongoing success, offering meaningful support to employees, spouses, and domestic partners.
“I believe that our success is rooted in the core understanding that Covestro is a place where we encourage self-care. Not only is it important for the wellbeing of our employees and their families, but it’s also good business. If our employees are happy and healthy, they are also safer. What could be more important than that?” –Samir Hifri, Chairman and President
5th VEKA Inc.
Fombell
950 Employees
VEKA manufactures high-quality PVC window and door system profiles for both residential and commercial use, serving new construction and replacement markets.
With a workforce that is 90% male, 75% of VEKA employees participate in on-site biometric screenings to "know their numbers," enabling them to follow up with primary care providers as needed.
VEKA places a strong emphasis on mental health, recognizing the increasing number of individuals struggling with mental well-being. The company is committed to providing a wide range of tools and resources to support employees. While most employees are required to be on-site for work, VEKA offers nearly 200 schedule variations to accommodate their needs.
"I am proud of VEKA’s wellness program as part of our value, 'We Care,' because it exemplifies our dedication to nurturing not only the professional growth but also the well-being of our team members. Our initiatives focus on physical health, mental wellness, and work-life balance. By prioritizing employee well-being, we not only enhance productivity and morale but also cultivate a culture of care and compassion.” –Kerstin Kress, Director of Human Resources
6th PeopleOne Health
Oakmont
102 Employees
PeopleOne Health adopts a unique approach to healthcare delivery by prioritizing people first. As an innovative healthcare solution, it enhances traditional insurance plans to offer VIP-level healthcare while also reducing costs for members.
What sets PeopleOne Health apart is its integrated team, which includes clinical operations, a pharmacy team, health management consulting, health coaches, and population health specialists. This holistic approach fosters collaboration among team members, enabling them to provide optimal service to their members.
The PeopleOne Health Wellness Committee, composed of individuals from various roles within the company, organizes and develops the internal wellness program to ensure that all employees can participate and have their voices heard. Creating an inclusive program that caters to diverse backgrounds is a top priority. The wellness program is built around four cornerstones of health: focus, which helps individuals clarify their goals for success; fitness and health, serving as a physical and mental foundation that energizes goal achievement and promotes adaptability; fire, representing the passion that drives action and momentum; and positive force, which emphasizes the benefits of sharing energy and success with others. With an activation rate of 82%, the program reflects the significant efforts of the Wellness Committee, the involvement of executive leadership, and the engagement of team members.
“I believe PeopleOne Health is worthy of recognition because our wellness programming is both innovative on its own and we turn our wellness program into part of the service we use for our customers. One of the top ways it is innovative is that our definition of wellness is broad and includes our own proprietary program that integrates the best of health and fitness with the best of goal-setting, motivation, personal leadership, and behavior change science.” –Chris Downie, Co-Founder and Executive Board Chair
