The University of Lethbridge is among nine Alberta employers that have been recognized for their commitment to improving the health of their employees at the fourth annual Premier's Award for Healthy Workplaces.

The U of L received an Award of Merit in the 1000+ employee category for a number of workplace health initiatives, including ongoing health screening, wellness seminars and programs such as the Life Balance Fair, the Bee Heart Smart challenge, and others.

An employee wellness survey is also taking place this month to determine the future direction of wellness programming. Learn more about the Wellness office at http://www.uleth.ca/hum/wellness

As part of the Alberta government's Healthy U initiative, the award celebrates employers who invest in their employees' well-being through health promotion programs, such as encouraging their staff to make healthy eating choices or incorporate daily physical activity into their workday.

Applicants are judged on the strategies, initiatives, policies, and programs that promote, support and enhance a healthy workplace.

This year, 23 workplaces applied for an award in three categories based on the number of employees ranging from one to more than 1,000 employees. This year's winners are:

Premier's Award of Distinction

Metromedia Marketing, A Brand Alliance Company (1-100 employees)

Alberta Blue Cross (101-999 employees)

Alberta Workers' Compensation Board (1000+ employees)

Premier's Award of Merit

Municipal District of Greenview (1-100)

Red Deer Primary Care Network (1-100)

Hyatt Regency Calgary (101-999)

Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Central Region Community Board (101-999)

Athabasca University (1000+ employees)

University of Lethbridge (1000+ employees)