UP recognized for employee wellness programs

Union Pacific Railroad was selected by the National Business Group on Health as one of the nation's "Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles" in 2015.

Recognized at the "Gold" level, UP was honored for making cultural and environmental changes, and developing comprehensive programs that support employees' healthy lifestyle goals, UP officials said in a press release.

The Class I was the only railroad among 64 U.S. employers to receive the award. This year marks the 11th year UP earned the recognition.

The railroad's wellness programs assess and provide intervention support for health risk factors, including asthma, blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, diabetes, fatigue, inactivity, nutrition, smoking, stress and weight.

The award is a testament to the employees who use the company's wellness resources "to achieve new levels of well-being and, ultimately, safety," said Sherrye Hutcherson, UP's vice president of human resources, in a statement.

"We remain focused on evolving health resources to meet employees' dynamic needs and lifestyles," she said.