Jessica Somar, Arizona Engagement Director for Cigna, a global health services provider, shares why she is passionate about Wellness AtoZ’s mission. Wellness AtoZ is the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s wellness initiative. It is aimed at making Arizona and the Greater Phoenix region known as destinations for healthy living.
“Wellness is so critical to a healthy community, productive workforce, and families. I feel strongly the work the Foundation is doing to promote health and wellness in our community is foundational to creating and maintaining our region and keeping our communities vibrant,” said Somar.
In her role, she is responsible for driving success with Cigna’s Client and Customer health and well-being services.
“I also, have the opportunity to lead a team of talented wellness professionals who deliver strategies to help our clients and customers implement their wellness programs and create cultures of well-being,” said Somar. “My team’s work helps Cigna achieve our mission of improving the health, well-being, and peace of mind of those we serve.”
However, Somar’s commitment to healthcare expands beyond her day job. She also serves as a member of Wellness AtoZ’s Steering Committee.
“One of the things I most appreciate about Wellness AtoZ is the fact there are resources and tools to help individuals, families, and companies improve their health,” boasts Somar. “Even little changes can have a huge impact. A simple change to your daily activity like taking a brisk walk or reaching for a piece of fruit rather than a candy bar can improve not only physical health but your mental health. We have seen the trend for working at home lead to an average of 30lb weight gain for most Americans. Wellness AtoZ is focused on sharing resources and providing education to improve health – and this is more important than ever!”
She believes that by sharing its easily accessible wellness resources, Wellness AtoZ improves the wellness culture across businesses in Arizona. This is especially true of many small employers who don’t have a large Human Resources team or on-site wellness coordinators or funding and inspires larger employers to continuously improve.
“The Wellness AtoZ program gives them all access to ready solutions and ideas that are easily implemented in the workplace for small investments… It gives employers the tools to build programs to help them attract and retain talent who are delivering great work results while having a great work-life balance,” explains Somar.
She points out that through Wellness AtoZ, many of the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s member companies have become Wellness AtoZ Employers to improve the health of their workforce by committing time, energy, and resources to educate their employees about a wide array of topics such as making wise food choices, worksite ergonomics, financial well-being, behavioral health, and improving physical health.
“We are better able as a destination to share our community resources by banding together to build our value proposition that drives a culture of healthy life choices. Arizona has 300 days of sunshine and a community that is active and welcoming, Wellness AtoZ is just another reason to love AZ by offering ready resources to promote healthy lifestyles on its website and in educational sessions,” shares Somar.
Learn more about Wellness AtoZ and how you can become a Wellness AtoZ Employer here.