OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

O-pa's Wellness Committee works each and every day to empower their fellow co-workers to take charge of their health. From group fitness challenges and cooking classes to running the corporate cup – the Wellness Committee provides and participates in an array of activities geared towards improving the overall health of O-pa’s employees. But they don't just focus on physical health, they also believe in the power of being proactive about financial, mental and emotional well-being. 

Here are just a few of the activities the Wellness Committee has put into place:

• Healthy (and delicious) cooking tips from our head chef at Guckenheimer

• Lunch and learn seminars  that arm staff with important information regarding a wide variety of topics to include financial and dental health  

• Walk days where employees are encouraged to get their daily steps in at lunch time

• Quarterly relax days encouraging employees to take a few moments to find some time to relax in their day - whether it’s coloring, yoga, massage or a quiet space.

The Wellness Committee’s dedication to health in the workplace has not gone unnoticed. Over the past few years, they have received a multitude of awards for their outstanding work within the O-pa community including the 2019 American Heart Association "Workplace Health Achievement" Award.

This is their third year in a row winning the award which recognizes organizations for their commitment to creating a culture of overall health and well-being anchored in heart health. The Wellness Committee was also the recipient of the 2017 Governors “Large Sower” Wellness Award as well as a two time Corporate Cup winner in the T-shirt contest category.

We are so proud of the Wellness Committee's achievements and thankful for the important work they are doing to provide O-pa staff with quality health programs.

Learn more about Wellness Committee's members below. 

Q: What has been your most rewarding experience on the Wellness Committee?

Lee Turkovich, Associate Director of Marketing & Digital: "Being able to provide a wide array of wellness options to our staff. It's not just about "diet and exercise," we aim to provide wellness to multiple aspects of our staff's lives. In addition to physical health and cooking, we ensure people are taking care of their mental health, their financial health and emotional health. I think the latter is sometimes forgotten about, but those things are often some of the most important things to learn about when it comes to being well."

Q: What has been your favorite Wellness Committee initiative to date?

Alyssa Stieren, Director of Finance: "I like the Guckenheimer food demos because chef always prepares such yummy food and does a great job of explaining how to lighten up recipes without sacrificing flavor (and best of all she gives us the recipes!) I think I’ve made the fluffy pumpkin dip like five times."

Q: What interested you about joining the Wellness Committee?

Dominic Green, Community Engagement Manager: "I wanted to be more active and focused on my wellness as well as encourage my co-workers to improve their health."

Want to be more proactive about your health? Here are a few upcoming Wellness Committee events to get you moving: 

• Halloween candy collection: If you don’t want leftover candy tempting you, bring it to the A-Level admin on November 1 and the Wellness Committee will donate it to troops overseas!

• Financial wellness seminar: Get your credit in check with assistance from a financial professional coming up in November.

The Wellness Committee is currently looking into resources to further encourage mental health habits. They also have some fun fitness challenges in the works, so stay tuned!