PHOENIX, Feb. 15, 2017
/PRNewswire/ -- The American Heart Association has recognized
Phoenix-based U-Haul International as a Gold Fit-Friendly Worksite,
the Company's most distinguished national honor since redefining
its workplace initiatives to promote a culture of fitness and
healthy living.
Learn more about U-Haul health initiatives and employment
opportunities at jobs.uhaul.com.
Eligibility for the AHA Gold Fit-Friendly Award requires
worksites to offer employees physical activity support; increase
healthy eating options at work; promote a wellness culture; adhere
to a strict tobacco policy; and implement at least six physical
activities, two nutrition activities and one culture activity that
meets AHA standards.
U-Haul did all of that and much more in 2016, including the
creation of the first annual U-Haul Active Day. Team Members across
the U.S. and Canada were
encouraged to take part in fitness events outside of work on or
about Oct. 15. Some 300 Team Members
and their families in the Valley participated in a 5K run/walk at
Phoenix's Papago Park, an activity that raised more than
$14,000 for the Pat Tillman
Foundation, a U-Haul charity partner.
"Team Members are engaged, which proves they want to be
healthy," said Jessica Lopez, U-Haul
Chief of Staff. "This culture of wellness not only increases
morale, but encourages our Team Members to be healthier. As a
result, it increases productivity and creates positive results for
our business. Being a part of this movement is incredibly
rewarding. We are committed to this program."
U-Haul initiated major system-wide changes last year. Among
those changes were: altering café and vending options to emphasize
healthier foods and drinks; limiting designated tobacco areas;
enforcing additional coverage fees for nicotine use and extreme
BMI, including higher fees on management; offering exercise and
weight management classes at its Midtown
Phoenix campus and off-site facilities; reimbursing
dietician fees and gym memberships for Team Members who work out
regularly; and initiating "The Healthier U" program to create a
dedicated wellness forum, lend support and nutritional advice, and
communicate opportunities for healthier living.
"Workplace health continues to be an important way to improve
the well-being of the workforce and your organization is a leader
in this effort," Nancy Brown, AHA
Chief Executive Officer, wrote in her congratulatory letter to
U-Haul. "Thank you for your role in building a culture of health
and providing employees with healthy choices."
The AHA Fit-Friendly Worksites program is designed to be a
catalyst for change in American business, acknowledging employers
who champion the health of their employees by creating physical
activity programs within the workplace.
U-Haul was recognized with the Healthier Arizona Worksites
Program's Gold Standard Award in June
2016. With a stronger commitment to Team Member wellness in
2017, U-Haul seeks to empower its current staff while attracting
new motivated and qualified job candidates who place a priority on
healthy living.
About U-Haul
Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of
do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations
across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul customers'
patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 139,000
trucks, 108,000 trailers and 38,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers
more than 536,000 rooms and more than 50 million square feet of
self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout
North America. U-Haul is the
largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive
aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the
U.S. www.uhaul.com
Contact:
Jeff Lockridge
Sebastien Reyes
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-760-4941
Website: uhaul.com
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SOURCE U-Haul International