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SPONSORED CONTENT

ILLINOIS’

A GUIDE TO WORKPLACE WELLNESS

HONOREES

The 2020 Illinois’ Healthiest Employers Awards are sponsored by Cigna and conducted by health analytics provider Springbuk Inc. in association with Crain’s Content Studio. Here are this year’s winners and top finalists.

2-99 EMPLOYEES

Winner: Connor & Gallagher OneSource Finalists: Tom Vaughn Chapter 13 Trustee, Shop Smart LLC

100-499 EMPLOYEES

Winner: V3 Companies, Ltd. Finalists: Advanced Group, Victor Envelope Company

500-1,499 EMPLOYEES

Winner: AssetMark Finalists: First Busey Corp., Healthy U

1,500-4,999 EMPLOYEES

Winner: Riverside Healthcare Finalists: CNO Financial Group, Syngenta

5,000+ EMPLOYEES

Winner: U-Haul Finalists: Fifth Third Bank, Phillips 66

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Best Workplace Wellness Programs Honored at Awards Event Winners highlight employee resilience By Jane Adler

PRESENTER

MODERATOR

Brian Marsella President, Midwest Market Cigna

Dr. Catherine Dimou, MD Midwest Market Medical Executive Cigna

mployers that make workplace wellness a priority were recently recognized at the 2020 Illinois’ Healthiest Employers Awards program. The event, held virtually this year, focused on the timely theme of how to build a healthy, resilient workforce. Global health insurer Cigna sponsored the event, which celebrates the top employer wellness programs in the state. This is the fifth year Cigna has sponsored the event which was hosted by Crain’s Content Studio. Cigna’s Midwest Market President Brian Marsella noted the highly unusual circumstances of this year’s competition and the importance to build worker resilience in the wake of the pandemic. “Focusing on the whole person—body and mind—is essential,” he said. Prior to the announcement of the 15 awardwinning employers, Cigna’s Behavioral Health Lead Gail Smith put today’s situation in context with a presentation titled, “The Path Forward during COVID-19, Supporting a Healthy, Resilient Workforce.” It was followed by a roundtable discussion with human resources executives on how to adapt wellness programs to meet the changing needs of employees. “The pandemic is a natural disaster,” Smith said. It’s natural to feel anxiety and frustration about the daily uncertainties and even grief around the loss of normal life, she explained. Sadly, the pandemic and its economic fallout have caused a rise in substance abuse, depression and suicide. Smith offered tips to employers on how to build workforce resiliency. Communicate regularly and provide guidance, especially for those who work on site. Let workers know what resources are available such as testing and emotional support. For individuals, establish routines and remind yourself of what you’ve already overcome. “Tap into those skills,” Smith said. The roundtable was moderated by Cigna’s Midwest Market Medical Executive, Dr.

PRESENTER Gail Smith, MS, LMFT Behavioral Clinical Lead Cigna

Catherine Dimou. She asked the human resources executives how they’ve modified their wellness programs because of COVID-19. “Think outside the box,” advised Courtney Royer, senior human resources lead, ITR Concession Company, which runs the Indiana Toll Road. The organization’s biggest event is a wellness fair which was held virtually. A 5-K run was revamped, and greater emphasis has been placed on mindfulness, behavioral health and financial well-being. Communication is key, according to Colleen Klehr, human resources director at Prescient Solutions. The company set up an online COVID-19 resource center. It includes articles, webcast links and general information as well as reminders on the fundamentals: wear a mask, wash your hands. Protocols outline how to support clients as well as how to safely return to work. Prescient rebooted its program early on and devoted a month to health and mindfulness. Resources were provided on meditation. Employees took yoga classes online. “It worked well,” Klehr said.

PANELIST

Colleen Klehr Human Resources Director Prescient Solutions

Leah Muhich Benefits Manager Empire Today

Panelists weighed in with their advice. Empire’s Muhich emphasized the need for patience and kindness. “People are still learning,” she said. Ask employees how the company can make things better. “Implement their feedback, suggested ITR’s Royer. Klehr at Prescient Solutions said, “Keep it simple.” The human resources department has been very busy during the COVID-19 outbreak, so she relies on partners such as Cigna. “Use your resources,” she said. Cigna’s Marsella concluded the program with the announcement of the winners of the 2020 Illinois’ Healthiest Employers Awards. Contestants are evaluated on six areas of corporate health and wellness. The organizations are arranged by size and compete with like-sized groups. The award is powered and scored by Springbuk, a health analytics company.

The flooring company Empire Today quickened response times to employee concerns and questions, answering calls and emails within 24 hours. Empire partnered with Cigna Behavioral Health to offer support to Empire’s 1,250 employees. “We got more creative,” Empire Benefits Manager Leah Muhich said. It’s important to add an element of fun, the panelists agreed. Zoom get togethers, virtual chili cook-offs and pet pictures all help to keep employees connected. Looking ahead, Dimou asked about the role of workforce resilience. Cigna’s Smith cited new research now available at cignaresilience.com. It shows that the best ways to cope with stress are to take action and ground yourself in the immediate situation. Focus on one thing at a time. “Recognize what you can control,” she said.

U-HAUL

ILLINOIS’ HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS

PANELIST Courtney Royer Senior Human Resources Lead ITR Concession Company

Short videos highlighted the winners and their wellness programs. Common themes among the winners were the importance of emotional support, employee education, the value of listening and taking time to express gratitude. The 1st place winners for 2020 are: • Connor and Gallagher OneSource (299 employees), an independent insurance broker. • V3 Companies, Ltd. (100-499 employees), a civil engineering and environmental services firm. • AssetMark (500-1,499 employees), an investment management and consulting firm. • Riverside Healthcare (1,500-4,999), a healthcare network and service provider. • U-Haul (5,000+ employees), a moving equipment and rental storage company. In conclusion, Cigna’s Marsella congratulated the winners and looked forward to holding an in-person awards event next year. “We wish all employers luck in engaging employees in taking control of their health which is their most important asset,” he said.

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ASSETMARK

V3 COMPANIES, LTD.

RIVERSIDE HEALTHCARE

CONNOR AND GALLAGHER ONESOURCE

LET’S MAKE LIFE BETTER, TOGETHER. Cigna is proud to be the exclusive sponsor of Crain’s 2020 Illinois’ Healthiest Employers Awards, recognizing companies dedicated to improving the health of their employees. Together, we can help everyone live healthy, more resilient lives.

ILLINOIS’ HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS

7 Timely Tips for Wellness SPONSORED CONTENT

By Jane Adler

ffective workplace wellness programs quickly adapt to the changing needs of employees, especially during a public health crisis. Here are 10 useful program ideas from the winners of the 2020 Illinois’ Healthiest Employers Awards.

Be relevant. Riverside Healthcare (1st place, 1,500-4,999 employees) prioritized mental health to support its employees, many of whom are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response. Riverside partnered with an emotional support program to provide additional resources, including on-demand tele-visits with counselors available around the clock, a daily newsletter, and twice daily online support sessions accessible by mobile app and led by a licensed counselor. Topics include self-care, childcare concerns, depression, anxiety and preventative strategies. Another innovation was the creation of an onsite micro pantry for employees open 24 hours a day. The pantry is fully stocked with healthy foods and personal hygiene products.

Connor and Gallagher OneSource (1st place, 2-99 employees) created a wellness website that acts as a hub for resources, including wellness seminars, handouts, mindful moment videos, and “Wellness Wednesday” bulletins.

Stay flexible. As health safety guidelines change almost daily, successful wellness programs pivot quickly. Syngenta (3rd place, 1,500-4,999 employees) responded proactively to the pandemic. Employees were asked to work from home prior to stay-athome orders. Employees essential to inperson operations modified their schedules to reduce the number of workers on site. Mask, hand sanitizers and disinfectants were supplied to employees. A COVID-19 wellness portal was created and is updated weekly with information to address both physical and mental health. Links to crafts, kids’ activities and entertainment were added along with recipes, workouts and contests. Syngenta also incorporated tele-medicine

visits and employees were encouraged to stay connected by participating in a “Table for Four,” a randomized group that connects virtually during the workday.

Include everyone. Families are spending more time together so include them. The wellness program at CNO Financial Group (2nd place, 1,500-4,999 employees) includes associates, spouses and their dependents whether they’re based in the home office or part of the company’s large field workforce. Participants can choose activities based on their need and interest. The workforce is surveyed for feedback with 95% feeling supported to pursue healthy activities. The company also added 100% pay for maternity and paternity leave. “Providing an environment that attends to the physical, financial and mental well-being of our associates and their families is part of CNO’s culture,” CEO Gary C. Bhojwani says.

Hit refresh. Add new elements to the program to keep workers engaged. V3 Companies (1st place, 100-499 employees) has an employee-led committee that creates customized challenges to address physical and emotional needs. A happiness challenge provided a checklist of activities to help reduce stress through the holidays. When the pandemic hit, a weekly “Be Well” newsletter and family Facebook page were created to keep everyone connected.

Inspire others. Personal stories inspire others to take action. AssetMark (1st place, 500-1,499 employees) had been looking for ways for employees to share their wellness milestones. A 15-year company veteran offered to help, sharing her wellness journey during a webinar session. Topics included nutrition, staying accountable, best practices, and fitness tips, even though she doesn’t like working out. The session had a great turnout and

WORKING TOGETHER HEALTHY U

ADVANCED GROUP

FIRST BUSEY CORP.

VICTOR ENVELOPE

SYNGENTA

ILLINOIS’ HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS

Program Success she inspired colleagues with her openness. “We are deeply committed to fostering a positive workplace culture and providing our employees with innovative health and wellness programs,” says Gary Zyla, executive vice president and CFO at AssetMark. “We hope to inspire other companies to do the same.”

Leverage partnerships. Reach out to insurers and other benefits providers. These organizations often have programs to help. Phillips 66 (3rd place, 5,000+ employees) works with benefit partner Rethink. It provides caregiver assistance such as free tools, training, and clinical guidance for those supporting individuals with learning, social and behavioral challenges. Employees also have access to a video-based treatment program customized to the needs of the individual. Other tools include tele-consultations with a behavior expert, how-to videos and a lesson library.

Add incentives. Rewards work better then penalties. Motivated employees are

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more likely to engage in wellness initiatives. Shop Smart (3rd place, 2-99 employees) wanted to boost employee health savings accounts. So, the company added an employer contribution earned through well-being credits. Employees earn credits through a variety of activities such as having an annual physical or attending mental health or financial counseling sessions. Employees who complete 10 out of the 19 well-being credits receive a $1,000 health savings account contribution from the company for the next benefit year. Employees at First Busey Corp. (2nd place, 500-1,499 employees) earn points for healthy habits which help them work towards a $750 health savings account contribution with a $350 insurance premium savings the following year, or $1,000 in cash incentives. Even in the middle of the pandemic, 71% of Busey’s workers have already received a wellness incentive. Since 2015, Busey has contributed more than $3.2 million to employees through incentives.

Congratulations to the Crain’s 2020 Illinois’ Healthiest Employers Award winners. Together, we’re helping everyone live healthy, more resilient lives. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. 951727 10/20 © 2020 Cigna.

CNO FINANCIAL GROUP

SHOP SMART LLC

PHILLIPS 66

ILLINOIS’ HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS

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Mental Health During a Pandemic:

Supporting Employers in Building a Healthy, Resilient Workforce By Brian Marsella, Midwest Market President for Cigna

ife during a pandemic can be highly stressful: we worry about catching the coronavirus, making sure our kids don’t fall behind in virtual school, struggle with working at home and miss being able to conduct our normal dayto-day activities. Adding to our stress load is the toll of the virus: as of October 6, our city had over 82,000 cases of COVID-19 and nearly 3,000 deaths.1 The uncertainty we face during these unprecedented times can lead to severe anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns, which can also lead to substance use disorders. The stats are staggering: Cook County has seen a 54% increase in opioid overdose-related deaths versus the same time period last year.2 That’s one reason we support community partners like Gateway Foundation who help Illinoisans struggling with addiction and recovery. Chicagoans are tough, but the current crisis has taken a toll on even the strongest of us. A new Cigna Resilience Index Study (www. cignaresilience.com) found that full-time workers in Chicago are more stressed by economic uncertainty than workers nationally (85% vs 76%), and nearly eight in ten are feeling anxious due to COVID-19. This stress and anxiety is also having an impact on workers’ resilience, with only three in ten Chicago residents having high levels of resilience. What does that mean for businesses? Lower resilience is associated with lower job satisfaction and higher likelihood for turnover. Our kids feel the impact too– half feel stressed by current events, and nearly a quarter are anxious about their parents continuing to work inperson or with others during the pandemic.3 Chronic stress can also affect our physical

health. At Cigna, we know the mind and body are connected, and that’s why we encourage people to talk openly with their doctor about how they feel physically and emotionally. It’s more important than ever to take time to assess how stress impacts ourselves, our families, our communities and our work. As companies reopen, it’s vital for employers to provide a safe workplace to give employees peace of mind. The City of Chicago government provides a Coronavirus Response Center (access from www.chicago. gov) with helpful strategies on reopening, and the CDC offers a useful tool designed to

tapping the knowledge of our own experts, community partners and other trusted sources (www.cigna.com/coronavirus/ mental-health-wellness). We’re offering more new or enhanced programs and solutions to help improve emotional well-being and manage life events, including virtual ondemand peer coaching and personalized learning to boost mood and improve mental health, and digital self-guidance to increase resiliency. • Emphasizing telehealth4 with limitations on in-person doctor visits, the pandemic has intensified long-standing

As companies reopen, it’s vital for employers to provide a safe workplace to give employees peace of mind. help both employers and employees navigate re-opening. Cigna is also taking significant steps to help support employers and staff through the COVID-19 crisis. Our advanced analytics, research and collaborative approach to develop customized worksite solutions go a long way to give employers the tools they need to open and operate safely, including: • A comprehensive online resource: Cigna’s website offers a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center (www.cigna. com/coronavirus) with critical resources and guidelines for individuals, families, employers, seniors and health care providers. • Wellness, mental health and behavioral resources: We compiled and made accessible online a variety of resources,

difficulties in accessing mental health services in this country. To meet the challenge, Cigna expanded its virtual mental health provider network so patients can get the care they need, when they need it via on-demand telehealth visits. Now, telehealth appointments make up about 85% of Cigna Medical Group visits. How else can employers help their workforce? Our Resilience Index found workplace diversity, inclusivity, a sense of purpose at work and proactive and open communications from leadership are critical, along with specific communications about access to general and COVID-19 resources (paid parental leave, digital symptom checker, caregiver support, etc.). Our world is unpredictable right now. For employees, both working remotely and the

ILLINOIS’ HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS

prospect of returning to a jobsite can be overwhelming, and employers have a critical role to play. At Cigna, we’re committed to improving the health, wellbeing and peace of mind for the clients, customers and communities we serve. Through our work with employers and community partnerships with local organizations across the Chicago area like Sinai Health Systems, Bright Star Community Outreach, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Erie Family Health Centers, Gateway Foundation and more, Cigna is helping the people of Chicago move forward through these challenging times to be healthier together. To learn more about Cigna®, visit www.cigna. com. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/ latest-data.html

https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/ cdph/tobacco_alchohol_and_drug_abuse/Mid-Year%20 Opioid%20Report%202020%20final.pdf

https://cignaresilience.com/

Cigna provides access to virtual care through national telehealth providers as part of your plan. This service is separate from your health plan’s network and may not be available in all areas.

Product availability may vary by location and plan type and is subject to change. All group health insurance policies and health benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For costs and details of coverage, contact a Cigna representative. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna Behavioral Health, Inc., or their affiliates.

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