Celebrating UBTwell

Jay Dunlap was once quoted as saying that Union Bank didn’t set out to build a big bank, but a good, solid bank. Much of the growth (and recognition) was simply a byproduct of doing the right things. Much in that same way, Union Bank didn’t have the objective of designing an epic wellness program or winning wellness awards. Rather, the end game was a comprehensive wellness program that reflected our caring culture, one that promoted a healthy work/life balance and prompted associates to consider the importance of health in all aspects of their lives. The wellness program, which has evolved over time, empowers employees to live the most productive quality of life possible. And the employees have done the rest. 

UBT has so many employees dedicated to the success of the UBTwell program (and to their own good health), and because of them, we’re excited to be celebrating the following awards and designations.

The Healthiest Employers of Nebraska Award recognizes organizations that are committed to creating a healthy workplace, with emphasis placed on the following areas: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and intervention, and reporting and analytics. Winning this award also places Union Bank in the running for the Healthiest Employers of America Award (exciting!), which will be announced later this year, so stay tuned!

Nebraska Governor’s Wellness Award – Grower Award delivers special distinction to worksite wellness programs demonstrating significant, evidence-based improvement in employee health behaviors. Thanks to amazing and focused employees, Union Bank has been the recipient of this designation twice previously.

The Wellbeing Partners Torchbearer Awards are presented to worksite wellness programs leading the way in cultural well-being and innovation to impact total employee health. It’s an “above and beyond award” — pretty cool.

The Wellbeing Partners’ Light of Wellness Awards – Wellness Inspiration Award celebrates employees who have been active participants in their company’s wellness program, serving to inspire others and lead by a healthy example. Union Bank’s own Vickie Weiss is a 2020 recipient of this award, recognized for her passion for wellness and motivation to guide others on their wellness journey. Congratulations, Vickie!

American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index is a comprehensive, organizational self-assessment that measures the health of a workplace and its employees in a nationwide comparison, and Union Bank achieved Silver Standing.

The C. Everett Koop Award – Honorable Mention focuses on data-driven results and computable health outcomes, documenting results both in terms of health improvement and economic impact. The recipients (or projects, as they’re called) must answer the following questions: What was done, did it work, and was it worth it? We have an awesome video that answers those questions in a way we could never articulate. It’s worth a look. (You can check out all the honorees’ videos here.)

Over this last year, Union Bank employees have continued on their good health journeys: working out both virtually and in person; focusing on stress, gratitude, and mindfulness; receiving customized nutrition counseling; participating in local community walks and runs; kicking tobacco with the help of cessation support; and participating in countless other initiatives that have, in turn, been reflected in UBTwell’s success. Thanks, team (and congrats again, Vickie!), and enjoy your awards!

Samantha Dolezal, UBT Wellness Advocate