With help from La Capitale's VIVA health program, the City of Cambridge and Home Hardware have both received gold medals from the Region of Waterloo's Healthy Workplace Award Program.

The award program recognizes organizations that have improved the health of their employees. This year, the City of Cambridge and Home Hardware both earned gold awards in the large group category for encouraging employees to focus on physical activity, nutrition and their overall health.

In a statement issued yesterday, La Capitale said that senior management's commitment to the cause helped get employees involved and encouraged them to participate in the various activities offered by its VIVA program, which includes online resources, workshops and health clinics with nurses, as well as healthy meal cooking demonstrations and tastings.

The insurer says that employees who use its program have seen numerous benefits, and companies find their staff members are happier, more engaged, more productive, and have a lower rate of absenteeism.

“La Capitale is proud to work in collaboration with such organizations as the City of Cambridge and Home Hardware, which are committed to improving the health of their employees,” says Annie Giguère, Director of Innovation, Business Solutions and Marketing at La Capitale. “These awards highlight VIVA's relevance and effectiveness in improving and maintaining workplace health and wellness.”