MONTGOMERY, Ala – AlabamaWorks! and the Alabama Workforce Council (AWC) have partnered with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, the University of Alabama and the Vital Initiative to conduct a statewide survey on workplace health. Vital is a research, implementation and training initiative working towards improving the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Alabama.

Alabama needs your help to understand and improve workplace health. The survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, will provide the Alabama Workforce Council with valuable information regarding issues and trends on behavioral health and the workforce development system across all industries.

The official survey is available here:https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_by1M9IWM59Sxn4F

“Our state’s labor force is the cornerstone of workforce development efforts, and this survey will help promote a healthier workplace and workforce that will continue to drive our 21st century economy”, said AWC Chairman Tim McCartney.

The State of Alabama is working to strengthen its capacity to help Alabamians live better and healthier lives, while also mitigating the economic costs associated with mental and substance use disorders that total over $1 trillion per year in lost productivity to the global economy.

Mental illness and substance use disorders are well-established drivers of disability, mortality and healthcare costs for employers. On average, Americans who work fulltime spend more than one-third of their day, 5 days a week, at their workplace. Workplace programs that promote and protect health, reduce safety risks and help prevent disease could reach more than 157 million US workers. A healthier workforce can mean lower direct costs, such as insurance premiums and workers’ compensation claims, and lower indirect costs if workers miss less work because of illness.

The results of the survey will be used to inform public policy decisions on workplace health promotion and help employers build effective, science-based workplace health programs for their employees.

Employers of all sizes and from each industry sector are highly encouraged to respond to the survey as responses are critical for the future of workforce in Alabama. Responses will be accepted from 10:30am July 27, 2020 through 5:00pm on August 31, 2020.

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About AlabamaWorks!
AlabamaWorks stands for opportunity, innovation, accountability and inclusion with the vision of a better future for Alabama in which communities, business, and industry are supported in a collaborative process to build prosperity through the opportunity of meaningful work and a growing economy. Our mission is to recruit, train, and empower a highly skilled workforce driven by business and industry needs and to be the competitive advantage for Alabama’s economic growth. Whether you’re an employer, a job seeker or a student, AlabamaWorks is the springboard for your success and promises to provide profitability and economic growth by creating opportunities for success and an improved quality of life for Alabamians.

About Alabama Workforce Council
The Alabama Workforce Council is comprised of business executives from some of the most important industries and organizations in the state of Alabama. The Council’s goal is to facilitate collaboration between government and industry to help Alabama develop a sustainable, top-notch workforce that is competitive on a global scale. Since its inception, the Council has been committed to analyzing important issues related to workforce development and making sound recommendations that will help to create more and better opportunities for all Alabamians.

About the UA Vital Initiative
Vital is a research, implementation, and training initiative working towards improving the health and well-being of the citizens of Alabama. Vital currently works with community stakeholders within and across Alabama’s 67 counties.