Employee Wellness

Wellness Program

The County of Los Angeles prides itself as a leader in public sector employment.  As an employer concerned with both employee well-being and organizational efficiency, offering a Countywide Wellness Program is critical. The goal of the County’s Wellness Program is to improve the health and productivity of County employees and lessen their health-related costs, mainly by helping employees change their lifestyle patterns through wellness initiatives.

Since the middle 1990’s, the Department of Human Resources (DHR) has offered a Countywide Wellness Program.  Renewed efforts to strengthen the program began in early 2007. To be successful, the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Personnel issued a call to action in September 2007 to all County Department Heads.  It included asking departments to appoint a Wellness Manager.  The focus of the Wellness Manager is to spearhead Countywide wellness initiatives and help employees change their lifestyles and behavioral choices to make positive changes in their health status by providing wellness activities and program information to better health.

As outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the County and SEIU Local 721 agreed to cooperate in developing an employee wellness program called “My Health is My Wealth.”  A negotiated joint labor-management subcommittee on Employee Wellness coordinates worksite wellness activities.  Working with Local 721 in the subcommittee, the “My Health Is My Wealth” program uses County-sponsored health plans internet-based online programs.  Employees are able to take a Health Risk Assessment (HRA), receive feedback for improving health, and complete online Healthy Lifestyle programs. The health plans provide small cash rewards for completing HRAs and biometric screenings for glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index. DHR also kicked off carrier-based programs for non-represented employees enrolled in County-sponsored medical plans and those represented by the Coalition of County Unions. You can visit the County-sponsored health plan websites found in the menu at left.

Healthy Connections Seminars

DHR offers many activities including free monthly lunchtime seminars presented by the County’s medical and dental carriers and the CEO, Employee Assistance Program.  Seminars take place at noon at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in Room B-62.  Employees are welcome to enjoy their lunch during the seminar.

Wellness Webinars

UnitedHealthcare presents a lunchtime wellness Webinar at noon on a healthy topics, such as asthma, better nutrition, diabetes, stress management, and weight control.  They are normally on the second Wednesday of every month, with an additional webinar scheduled for February, May and October.  Employees may access these interactive Webinars via the Internet and a telephone.

Wellness Fairs

DHR coordinates multivendor Wellness Fairs in a collaborative effort with the joint Labor-Management Advisory Committee on Productivity Enhancement. Wellness Fairs are a comfortable way for employees to collect valuable health information.  The Fairs encourage employees to “Know their Numbers” and go to their doctors regularly and be responsible for their health.

Screenings and activities include:

Civic Center Exercise Classes

At the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in Room B-62, classes such as Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, and Salsa dancing are available on certain weekdays at lunchtime or after work.

*The Thursday Salsa class will not meet one – two days per month due to the Healthy Connections workshops. The Healthy Connections schedule is posted in Room B-62.
Classes are taught by certified, private instructors or County volunteers. Participation is voluntary, and the County is not responsible for any fees or damages arising out of any injury that may be sustained by participating in any of the above classes.
Space is limited. Participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. County employees only.
Questions about the exercise program should be directed to Walter Popoff, Department of Human Resources, at wpopoff@hr.lacounty.gov or 213-639-6354.

Onsite Flu Vaccination Clinics

Did you know that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season? In an effort to assist you in getting your vaccination, DHR is once again offering free, onsite flu vaccination clinics. It has never been easier to get vaccinated! Getting a flu vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family!