The Hertz Corp. has announced that its worldwide headquarters in Park Ridge, N.J. and U.S. administration headquarters in Oklahoma City have each been designated as "Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksites" by the American Heart Association. The work sites earned the accreditation by helping employees eat better and move more.

"Physical activity and employee wellness are important priorities at Hertz. We are honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite," said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz chairman and CEO. "We're committed to providing the best workplace environment possible. This will benefit our employees' health and produce even more positive results for our worksites overall."

Platinum-level employers offer employees physical activity options and promote a wellness culture in the workplace. Companies must implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture as well as demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

Promoting daily physical activity with classes and fitness equipment, the Hertz Fitness Centers at each worksite offer subsidized gym memberships and other incentives. The centers have hosted Annual Walk at Work days for more than 10 years and promote weight management programs on an ongoing basis. 

Hertz also runs fitness incentive programs throughout the year such as the Steps to Success Walking Challenge.

To further promote a wellness culture, Hertz cafeterias and vending machines offer healthy food choices. Hertz also offers free preventive care services, including free onsite biometric screenings, with the opportunity for employees to earn premium credits toward their health insurance.

"The Fit-Friendly Worksites Program offers a unique, easy-to-implement opportunity for corporations to increase employees' physical activity, which will help improve their health — and their employers' bottom line," said LeighAnne Baker, senior VP and chief human resources officer for Hertz Corp.

Recognition is a critical component of the Fit-Friendly Worksites program. Qualifying worksites have the right to use the program's annual recognition seal for internal communications and with external, recruitment-related communications.

Related article: Hertz Sends Call Center Agents Home