Bemidji State University is committed to fostering the well-being of its employees. Employees are also encouraged to engage with not only the BSU community but the wider Bemidji community through volunteer work and other community building endeavors.

The State Employee Group Insurance Program is committed to improving the health and well-being of state employees, their families and their workplaces.

Living Well, Working Well

The Human Resources Department strives to empower employees to be well, through education, our Living Well, Working Well program and an open, communicative work environment.

Living Well, Working Well Objectives

  • Living Well Working WellEducate faculty and staff about wellness and all components of wellness (physical, social, emotional, occupational, intellectual, environmental, spiritual)
  • Provide up-to-date information and best practices for achieving, maintaining and enhancing wellness, such as:
    • Brown bag lunches periodically with various local experts
    • Sharing resources and information via “wellmails” – such as health affirmations, meaningful quotes or to alert faculty/staff to new information on our website
    • Sponsor an inspirational wellness speaker annually – for things such as community breakfast, or community appreciation day, etc.
  •  Support and Facilitate Healthy Choices
  •  Develop incentives for faculty and staff to use wellness information and participate in wellness activities made available at work
    • Distribute pedometers and sponsor walking competitions
    • Allow faculty/staff time to participate in yoga, cycling, etc. classes through the Rec. Center.
    • Develop Incentives for participating in wellness activities.
  • Collaborate with others to optimize wellness options and opportunities for BSU/NTC employees
    • Understand health provider’s ability to support the wellness of employees
    • Partner with university and community services to meet the wellness needs and interests of employees
  • Facilitate awareness of health improvement/promotion and maintenance services at work, such as
    • Health screenings
    • Flu shots
    • Tobacco cessation clinics
    • Weight management strategies
  • Act as a wellness information and resource clearinghouse.
  • Heighten the awareness of university and community-based programming opportunities (e.g., exercise/physical activity choices, stress management options, knowing important numbers)

In the future, Living Well, Working Well will conduct more thorough employee surveys to get better baseline data, as well as a more nuanced understanding of needs and interests. We will also comprehensively explore other successful (best practices) employee wellness programs on local, regional and national levels. We will use this information to create and develop programs that will meet the needs and interests of BSU/NTC employees.

Work-Life Balance

Work can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.

We know that the best workplace is an inclusive, supportive, communicative one. Living Well, Working Well is how we work towards this goal, for all employees.

One recent program was the Don’t Gain a Pound Holiday Challenge, where employees worked together to stay healthy during the holiday season. That successful program is emblematic of the health-conscious, group approach of Living Well, Working Well.

The premise of the providing a work-life balance program is to:

  • Establish a Health Promoting Workplace. BSU/NTC will be known as a healthy place to work. We will create a healthy work environment that will help retain existing employees, attract new employees and foster a culture of well-being that facilitates personal and professional success.
  • Empower and Encourage Employees to Be Well. Promote the integration and practice of wellness (balance of emotional, spiritual, social, physical, environmental, occupational, intellectual/mental, occupational needs) in the daily life of all BSU/NTC employees. Create an emphasis on positive daily lifestyle-related behaviors and choices (e.g., exercise/physical activity, good nutrition, stress management).
  • Support and Facilitate Healthy Choices. Facilitate a variety of worksite wellness opportunities that meets the needs/interests of employees and positively impacts the health of individuals working for BSU.