Shaping a culture of conservation & health

Advocate Health shapes a culture of conservation and health through a framework of sustainability and wellness, education and recognition.

Sustainable work spaces

Being green at work is easier when the work environment is conducive to sustainable practices.

• Increased indoor air quality and reduced exposure to toxic chemicals is achieved through environmentally-preferable purchasing, including furniture, cleaning products, and medical supplies.
• Facilities teams innovate and share best practices to reduce energy and water usage, with two of our hospitals achieving the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification. 
• Team members are empowered to create sustainable work spaces.
• Waste, recycling, energy, and other key metrics are tracked and reported. 

Employee well-being program: healthy living

Advocate Health's employee well-being program is designed to encourage, incentivize, and recognize employees that take action to manage and improve their health.

By completing a health questionnaire, biometric screening and lifestyle support programs that target individual health risks, medical plan participants can earn valuable Healthy Living Rewards to lower their out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Healthy Living points are earned through participation in a variety of community walks, healthy challenges and special events, and used to earn entries into a quarterly sweepstakes for large cash prizes and paid time off.

Supporting healthy eating

As a leading health care system, Advocate Health is always exploring ways to promote the healthiest lifestyle for our patients, team members and physicians. Our commitment to good health has motivated us to make some positive changes by providing healthier options for our staff, patients and guests. These include:

• Meats raised without antibiotics
• Low- and no-sugar-added beverages
• Healthier snack vending options
• Discounts on healthier cafeteria menu choices 

Recognizing our champions

Team members who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to environmental and personal health are nominated by their peers for a Live Green, Live Well Award. The award honors individuals for actively seeking ways to reduce waste and energy, reuse and recycle materials and resources, and for taking steps to achieve their best health through physical activities, healthy eating, weight loss, stress management, and other healthy behaviors.

  

Encouraging fitness

• Discounts at our five flagship fitness centers (Condell Centre Clubs, Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center, and Lutheran General Fitness Center) as well as many commercial fitness centers
• Indoor and outdoor guided walking paths are located at each hospital location
• Fitness program tools, Health Club Subsidy, equipment discounts and physical activity challenges for team members