Boldt Named "Well Workplace"

The Boldt Company has been named a "Well Workplace" for 2013 and is one of 60 companies nationwide to receive the gold level designation by The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). Jennifer Christianson, Boldt’s coordinator for the corporate-wide wellness program, received a "Rising Star" designation in the Light of Wellness award also presented by WELCOA. The organization is a leading resource for promoting workplace wellness with a nationwide membership of 3,200 organizations.

WELCOA gold level designations are awarded to companies that make comprehensive wellness programs part of the business strategy. Boldt was measured from May of 2010, through May of 2013.

"Our employees are our most important asset," said Human Resources Vice President Jeff Niesen. "Years ago, we realized that if we could help employees make positive lifestyle changes they could become healthier, happier and more productive.  It became obvious that a company-wide wellness program made sense."

Boldt’s program includes an annual health assessment in which employees self-report information related to nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and alcohol consumption. Based on the information, the company created a series of ongoing programs:

• "Lunch & Learn" sessions focus on topical issues such as nutrition, exercise, diabetes prevention;
• Wellness calendars communicate different monthly topics;
• Free health screenings check biometrics, blood work, heart rate and blood pressure;
• Seasonal wellness challenges revolve around fitness activities.

During the years measured, Boldt reported a 47 percent decrease in at-risk smoking due to the smoking cessation program. Ann Schlaud, an accountant located in the Oklahoma City office quit smoking on April 21, 2011 and remains a non-smoker today. "Much to my surprise, speaking with the counselor was a tremendous help," Schlaud said. "It helped me identify where I smoked, when I smoked and why I smoked."

The WELCOA "Well Workplace" awards are developed around seven benchmarks:

• CEO support for a wellness initiative;
• Creating a wellness team;
• Collecting data to drive health efforts;
• Creating a wellness operating plan;
• Choosing appropriate interventions;
• Creating a supporting environment;
• Consistently evaluating outcomes.

The "Well Workplace" awards were presented Sept. 9, 2013.

The Boldt Company, headquartered in Wisconsin, has 15 offices throughout the United States and is one of the leading sustainable construction services firms in the country. The firm provides professional construction services to customers in a variety of power, industrial, education, healthcare, commercial and renewable energy markets nationwide. The firm has been recognized as one of the safest companies in America.