Capital Metro has been awarded the CEO Cancer Gold Standard award by the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, recognizing the agency’s commitment to the health of its employees, contractors and their families.
Capital Metro has established programs to reduce cancer risk by prohibiting tobacco use at the workplace, encouraging physical activity, promoting healthy nutrition and providing access to quality care.
“We’re always looking for ways to encourage healthy habits,” said Capital Metro President/CEO Linda S. Watson. “We’re honored to receive this special distinction, and I’m proud of the steps our wellness and risk management teams have taken to create a culture of wellness at Capital Metro.”
The agency began its wellness program 10 years ago, and has been recognized at the national, state and local level as an industry leader for its approach to improving employee health and facilitating healthy lifestyles.
In addition to the obvious benefits to its employees, wellness initiatives have also helped curb healthcare costs at the agency. For every dollar invested in the program, Capital Metro receives a return of nearly three dollars in healthcare savings, and a reduction in employee absenteeism.
The wellness program is available to all employees, contractors and their family members, and offers access to a 24-hour fitness center, free personal training and nutrition guidance, tobacco-cessation programs, weight loss classes, and healthy cafeteria and vending machine options.
In early 2012, an initiative approved by the Capital Metro board went into effect, discouraging tobacco use within 15 feet of bus stops. Using grant funding from the Communities Putting to Work program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency created new signage for transit stops, naming the areas smoke-free zones. Following that initiative, in early 2013, Capital Metro completed the process of designating 100 percent of its facilities and buildings tobacco-free areas.
The agency was named Central Texas’ Healthiest Employer in 2012 by the Austin Business Journal and recently received recognition from the American Heart Association as a Gold Fit-Friendly Workplace. Capital Metro is a member of the Mayor’s Fitness Council.
