GTE Financial achieved national GOLD recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace in the recent Workplace Health Achievement Index announced by the American Heart Association 2020. GTE Financial is one of 776 organizations that completed the Index assessment this year, evaluating the time period of July 30, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Of the organizations that completed the Index assessment, 35 percent received gold recognition, the highest percentage to date, 29 percent silver and 25 percent bronze.
GTE Financial firmly believes its employees drive the success of the organization. GTE Financial leadership strives to create an environment that offers a healthy work culture that is stimulating and financially rewarding. They have created a workplace where diverse ideas are met with enthusiasm and where their employees can learn and grow to their full potential.
The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, created the Index with its CEO Roundtable, a leadership collaborative of more than 45 members from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The Index is a web-based scorecard that looks at organizational best practices and aggregates employee health data to evaluate workplace health programs’ overall quality and comprehensiveness. Studies show that worksites with a culture of health with comprehensive, evidence-based policies and programs and senior leadership support are more likely to have engaged employees and a healthier, more productive workforce.
“Receiving this award means a great deal. This is our fourth year in a row to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our efforts to implement quality workplace employee wellness programs. We are encouraging our employees to be the best version of themselves. Studies prove the healthier you are, the more engaged you are at work,” said Jasiel Legón, SVP, Talent and Chief Talent Officer of GTE Financial.
A unique feature of the Index is that it calculates an average heart health score for employees of participating companies that securely submit aggregate health data through Life’s Simple 7®, the American Heart Association’s definition of ideal cardiovascular health based on seven risk factors. Life’s Simple 7® includes smoking status, physical activity, weight, diet, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure. Companies receive benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify potential areas of improvement so that they can advance their annual performance and recognition.
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About GTE Financial
GTE Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $2 billion in assets and 23 Community Financial Centers located throughout West Central Florida. Chartered in 1935, GTE Financial is locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area, serving more than 230,000 individuals and businesses. More information on GTE Financial can be found at www.gtefinancial.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.