Workplace wellness initiatives can result in an improved bottom line for employees and increased employee engagement, higher retention and higher job satisfaction. Employers that support workplace wellness initiatives can help them become workplaces of choice. Because the majority of adults in the U.S. spend half of their day at work, the workplace has
significant potential to expand opportunities for being healthy.

In Washington County, the county and its partners implement worksite wellness initiatives via the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP). SHIP is a statewide program approved in 2008 by the Minnesota Legislature, which provides funding to implement evidence-based strategies at the local level. Washington County has received SHIP funds in varied time cycles. The current funding cycle for SHIP4, began in 2015 and continues through 2019.   SHIP-funded activities are led by PHE staff and are guided by the Living Healthy in Washington County (LHWC) Community Leadership Team (CLT). The CLT is a collaborative which provides guidance for LHWC strategies throughout the county. There are 18-22 active members on the CLT from the north, central and south parts of the county who represent: Community, Health Care, Schools and Worksites. The CLT is comprised of key community partners who are committed and actively investing their expertise, leadership, and other resources which are essential to the success and sustainability of LHWC.

Washington County PHE has a lead role in implementing worksite wellness initiatives. This is acheived through technical assistance and partner project grants to employers in the county. 

Partners include:

• 3M Cottage Grove Campus

• Central + Priority Pediatrics

• City of Stillwater

• Washington County Correctional Health

• Self-Esteem Brands

• YMCA – Forest Lake

• Forest Lake School District

• Lakes International Language Academy

• New Heights Charter School

• South Washington County Schools

• St Croix Preparatory Academy

• Stillwater Area Schools

• White Bear Lake Hugo and Oneka Schools