Healthy Workplaces Program

The Howard County Chamber of Commerce, the Howard County Health Department's Healthy Howard initiative and The Horizon Foundation believe a safe and healthy workplace is integral to achieving organizational excellence. Investing in worksite wellness is good for employees and even better for employers’ bottom lines. These programs improve employee health, morale, and satisfaction; increase productivity; and decrease health care costs, absenteeism, position turnover and workers’ compensation claims. 

The Healthy Workplaces Program recognizes Howard County workplaces that are committed to improving employee health and well-being through six main areas of worksite wellness:

1) Culture of Wellness
2) Physical Activity
3) Mental Health
4) Environmental Health
5) Nutrition
6) Safety 

Healthy Workplaces Overview: from the Howard County Health Department Website

This accreditation program was developed from a review of evidence-based worksite wellness activities, guidelines from existing efforts by the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society as well as recommendations from the Howard County Chamber of Commerce and the Horizon Foundation.

You may complete the application ONLINE, by clicking HERE (PDF).

A business is eligible for Healthy Workplaces certification if it 1) meets the Baseline Checklist AND 2) the worksite wellness efforts and activities meet or exceed the minimum requirements established for certification level.

Additionally, if your business is recognized as a Healthy Workplace, it may also be eligible for the American Heart Association’s Fit Friendly national certification. Upon application review, the Health Department will contact you if your business is dually eligible.

Any Howard County business, regardless of size, can apply for the Healthy Workplaces certification. There are three award designation levels for certified businesses. A Healthy Workplace will receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold certification. Each certification level holds the company to a higher level of commitment to employee health and wellness.

Frequently asked questions - click HERE. (PDF)

Additional worksite wellness resources click HERE. (PDF)

Laws and Regulations found on application click HERE. (PDF)

If you have any questions, please contact Samantha O’Neil at 410.313.6295 or healthyworkplaces@howardcountymd.gov.

For more information on the three levels of certification for businesses and more details on applying your organization, visit the Howard County Health Department’s website.