Workplace Wellness Pays for Ed A. Wilson Civil Division

(FORT WORTH)—One small business recently realized that workplace wellness pays off. The Small Business Wellness Initiative recognized Ed A. Wilson Civil Division with the Workplace Wellness Partner Award, given to the small business in each county with the highest percentage of participation in their wellness study.

Ed A. Wilson Civil Division, a general contracting firm, will receive $500 to use toward a company picnic or other employee benefit. The firm was one of 44 companies in Tarrant, Dallas and Denton counties that have participated in the Small Business Wellness Initiative, a research study funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The study will determine the long-term effectiveness of health promotion and stress management programs on employees’ overall health and wellness. Small businesses that participated in the study received free wellness training for employees and supervisors, as well as complimentary employee assistance program (EAP) services. The results of the study will be released in 2004.

“We very much appreciate the professional and energetic assistance that we have received, not only to minimize drug use in the workplace, but to enhance the overall health and safety culture of our firm,” said Knox Ross, division manager of Ed A. Wilson Civil Division. “We recommend the Small Business Wellness Initiative to any business in the Metroplex that wants to optimize their most important asset—their workforce.”

Research studies suggest that, for every dollar invested in health promotion, a company saves $3 to $5 in health and safety costs, according to Kelly Heath, project director of the Small Business Wellness Initiative.

“Businesses that invest in employee health and wellness reap the financial rewards through savings on health care costs, disability pay, absenteeism, employee turnover and safety problems,” Heath said.

About the Small Business Wellness Initiative
The Small Business Wellness Initiative is a community collaborative project funded by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. The mission of the Small Business Wellness Initiative is to enhance the health, productivity and quality of work life for small business leaders, their employees and their communities. Community partners include Tarrant Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, the North Texas Small Business Development Center and Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems.

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