News Summary
BankNewport has been awarded the Exemplary Worksite Health Award by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce for its dedication to employee wellness through programs like the Vitality Wellness Program. This holistic approach fosters a sense of community among its workforce while promoting better health outcomes. The bank has reported significant successes among employees participating in wellness initiatives, underlining the importance of workplace health and well-being.
Rhode Island
BankNewport has been honored with an Exemplary Worksite Health Award from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its commitment to employee wellness. This award showcases the bank’s robust programs, notably the Vitality Wellness Program, which aims to enhance the health and well-being of its staff.
With a focus on creating a healthier workplace, BankNewport’s initiatives are designed not only to improve employee health but to foster a sense of community. The Vitality Wellness Program encompasses various activities, including walking clubs, wellness challenges, and resources that aid personal growth and community connections. This holistic approach underlines the bank’s belief that a healthy workforce is beneficial not only to employees but also to the larger community.
Supporting Data and Success Stories
The recognition is part of a broader initiative, as BankNewport joins nearly 50 other businesses in Rhode Island that have also received the Worksite Health Award this year. The bank has reported several remarkable success stories among employees who have participated in wellness initiatives. Key health improvements include:
- Reduction of A1C levels from over 9 to 5.
- Normalization of cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Weight loss ranging from 25 to 80 pounds.
- Reversing risk factors for chronic health conditions.
These achievements are supported by various resources available at the bank, including an on-site Wellness Center, activities during a dedicated Wellness Week, employee wellness clubs, and the support provided by the employee Wellness Champions group. The impact of these programs is evident, as participation continues to grow.
Participation and Engagement Metrics
In the past year alone, the Walking Club at BankNewport logged a collective 205 miles among 19 members. Additionally, the Book Club attracted 19 participants who read a total of 12 books together, while employees completed 75 Peloton rides, accumulating 353 miles. Notably, usage of the Wellness Center has seen a dramatic increase of 66% in average monthly users and an 84% rise in monthly visits. Meanwhile, the bank’s Employee Assistance Program, which offers life coaching, financial guidance, and mental health support, experienced a 57% boost in utilization.
Importance of Workplace Wellness
The award ceremony emphasized the critical role that workplace wellness programs play in enhancing employee morale and overall well-being. It serves as a reminder of how essential it is for employers to invest in the health of their workforce. The vice president of commercial markets at Blue Cross praised local businesses for their innovative approaches to wellness, and the long-standing tradition of the Worksite Health Awards, which have been taking place for 31 years, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of workplace health.
BankNewport is part of a wider trend among financial institutions in Rhode Island that are taking significant steps towards creating healthier work environments. Other notable award recipients this year include The Washington Trust Co., Coastal1 Credit Union, and Navigant Credit Union. These collective efforts underscore a commitment to enhancing employee wellness across the state, benefiting not only the institutions but also their employees and the communities they serve.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- BankNewport Honored for Excellence in Employee Wellness Programs
- BankNewport Charitable Foundation Awards More Than $400,000 in Grants
- Jack Murphy of BankNewport on the Future of Money and Banking
- Wikipedia: Employee Wellness Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Employee Benefit

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.


