Delta Dental Introduces Walking Path for Employee Health

from Delta Dental of Missouri

In order to support a more healthy, active lifestyle for its employees, Delta Dental of Missouri built a quarter-mile walking trail around its headquarters  building located at 12399 Gravois Rd. in South County.  The path opened in early December for employees to take a healthy break during the day, encouraging an active lifestyle and providing a great avenue for stress relief for the individuals who work at Delta Dental.

David Haynes, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Missouri, members of the “Good Health Starts Here” Committee of Wellness Champions (Good Health Champions Committee) and about 20 Delta Dental employees took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and inaugural quarter-mile walk around the path.

“We are committed to good health at Delta Dental, and providing this walking path is a great step toward demonstrating to our employees that we support their efforts to take care of their health,” said Haynes.  “Employees are excited about this new amenity, and despite the increasingly chilly temperatures, the trail is being utilized regularly by employees.”

The formation of the Good Health Champions Committee and the construction of a walking path were among the recommendations made to Delta Dental following a wellness audit of employees conducted by the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Enterprise, which was carried out to help the company create a healthier workplace environment that fosters awareness, options and education for employees to take care of their health.

All Delta Dental employees were invited to describe their interest in serving on the committee with a one-page narrative noting why they wanted to be a committee member and how they believed the committee could help the company. Fifteen submissions were received, and 10 employees, including an executive liaison, were selected by the senior leadership team to serve.  Selections were based on the passion expressed in the submission and the location of the employees to ensure a broad representation across all company locations.

“The Good Health Champions Committee’s goal is to create a work environment where our co-workers have options and opportunities to be as healthy as they can be,” said Katie Chatfield, committee chair.  “We believe education and a strong support system are key, but the convenience of being able to literally step outside our building to enjoy a quick walk during the work day is something that will appeal to people of all fitness levels across our organization.”

To learn more about Delta Dental of Missouri, visit Delta Dental of Missouri’s microsite at www.GoodHealthStartsHere.org, find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @DeltaDentalMO.