Excellu honored for health efforts
The American Heart Association has awarded Excellus BlueCross BlueShield a national Silver award for its commitment to the health and well-being of employees as measured by the association’s 2022 Workforce Well-being Scorecard.
According to a media release, the scorecard “assesses factors such as mental health policies, organizational wellbeing strategies to combat burnout, health equity policies, employee financial resources and more to provide a comprehensive assessment of an organization’s health culture.”
In 2022, a total of 381 organizations completed the scorecard, and all organizations were recognized with a Platinum (9%), Gold (45%), Silver (32%), Bronze (9%), or Complete (5%) performance level. .
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, headquartered in Rochester, is part of a $6 billion family of companies that sponsors and delivers healthcare services throughout New York State as well as statewide long-term care insurance, the press release said. Overall, the company provides health insurance to nearly 1.5 million members and employs approximately 4,000 New Yorkers.
Excellus BCBS’ be WELL for LIFE employee wellbeing program focuses on five areas: emotional support, mindfulness, nutrition, exercise and connection. it says in the press release.
The American Heart Association, in collaboration with academics and industry experts, developed the Workforce Well-being Scorecard “to reflect the latest evidence-based scientific knowledge about the health and well-being of the workforce,” according to the press release. The free, web-based tool allows employers to regularly assess their health and well-being progress, identify areas of opportunity and see how their results compare to those of their peers.
“We are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and our continued efforts to promote equity,” said Jim Reed, President and CEO of Excellus BCBS. “Our organization strives to create a culture that is safe, supportive and gives everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential – in and out of the workplace.”
For more information and a full list of recognized organizations, visit heart.org/workforce.
McDonald’s is looking for employees
McDonald’s restaurants across upstate New York are looking to hire about 13,500 restaurant workers this summer.
According to a media release, the company offers flexible working hours for full-time or part-time work, opportunities for professional development and support with tuition fees. Some participating McDonald’s locations offer additional benefits, including paid vacations and health, vision and dental insurance.
Through Archways to Opportunity, employees and managers at participating restaurants can earn a high school diploma, pursue English as a second language, receive tuition assistance, and receive free advice from advisors. Since 2015, local owner-operators across New York have provided more than $15.6 million in student grants, the press release said. McDonald’s also has partnerships with Colorado Technical University and Western Governors University, as well as local community colleges, that enable restaurant employees to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree at little or no cost.
“People are the heartbeat of our organizations and we are doing everything we can to ensure we nurture a culture of caring, compassion and growth across the 270+ restaurants in the area…” said Paul Ross, owner/ Operator of McDonald’s 50 years and President of the Empire Operator’s Association for New York State. “We are proud to offer our crew and managers a variety of benefits and career opportunities to educate them and lead them to a brighter future.”
Job seekers can visit jobs.mchire.com to learn more and apply to a restaurant near them, or text “Apply” to 38000 to start an SMS application.
