Health screenings, flu shots, insurance information, and many other services were made available to Newark Public Schools employees at the Human Resource Services Department’s annual Health Benefits Fair.
“This is about you,” Superintendent Roger León said to the employees at the event. “In this administration, we believe in you. While we work really hard every day, this whole concept that we can’t do it without you is what today is all about.”
More than 25 exhibitors participated in the event, each providing an element of self-care.
The event was held just days after the Human Resource Services Department was recognized for the first time by health benefits provider Aetna with the company’s 2024 Workplace Well-Being Award.
The award recognizes workplace well-being programs that put employees’ needs first and effectively cater to those needs. Programs are evaluated on their strategy, design, communications, organizational engagement, and other criteria.
“Our benefits are second to none,” Jennifer Medina, the department’s Supervising Principal Personnel Technician said. “We offer the most comprehensive benefits plan in the State of New Jersey, compared to other school districts.”
“The district attracts and retains top-quality educators and leaders by offering excellent benefits and services in addition to very competitive salaries,” Board of Education President Hasani Council said. “The department’s comprehensive wellness program is one of the best examples of what makes Newark Public Schools different from all other districts. I want to congratulate Dr. Yolanda Mendez and everyone in the Human Resource Services Department on earning this very special recognition.”
In addition to competitive health, dental, and vision benefits through Aetna and prescription drug coverage through ExpressScripts, the district offers a variety of wellness programs, including:
· Noom as a free benefit to all NBOE employees enrolled in Aetna’s health plan.
· An Employee Assistance Program that provides free counseling services to employees.
· FitOn Health, which is a customized fitness benefit that provides district employees access to gyms and fitness studios, with offerings including yoga, spin class, boot camp and CrossFit training.
· Free mental health services, including Rethink Care, a digital training platform for mindfulness, resilience, mental and emotional well-being, and Headspace, which helps employees create life-changing habits to support mental health.
· Chairs To You
· Panera Break
Employee discounts are also available for services including:
· Verizon home services
· Verizon Wireless services
