By Becky Salato
Most of us know we would feel better if we ate better, exercised more, and took measures to reduce stress. Unfortunately, even with the best of intentions, it can be hard to do what's necessary to improve our health. However, when a healthy choice is also the easiest choice, we're a lot more likely to go that direction.
This is the premise underlying the Blue Zones Project–the idea that our environments influence our lifestyles, choices, and overall health. Because there's such a clear correlation between our well-being, both personally and as a community, and the places we spend most of our time, Blue Zones Project helps individuals, workplaces, and communities design health and well-being into our everyday lives.
When we update our routines and our surroundings, not only do we live longer, happier lives, but our local economies prosper. Our Clearlake community has already improved thanks to Blue Zones Project – Lake County, our local Blue Zones affiliate.
At Konocti Unified School District, we are dedicated to maximizing our contribution to our community's physical, social, and emotional health. Not only are we working with Blue Zones Project – Lake County to become Blue Zones Approved, but we are also in our first year of a rigorous three-year process that will result in our becoming a Certified Blue Zones Worksite by the national Blue Zones organization.
This certification will require us to make changes to policies and working environments that allow staff to thrive; both while they are at school and at home. It will also provide our staff with the knowledge and experience they need to support the health and well-being of our students.
Achieving Approval and Certified designations are both components of Blue Zones, but they serve different purposes and focus on different aspects:
Blue Zones approval
Blue Zones Approval is a designation given to organizations that have successfully implemented policies and practices aligned with Blue Zones principles. It signifies that an organization has made significant efforts to create an environment that promotes well-being and healthy lifestyles.
As a district, we're working towards "Approved" status, and so is each of our schools. This effort will include adopting policies, programs, and strategies to promote health and increase student engagement. Data show that healthier students earn higher test scores, have higher attendance rates, and tend to be better adjusted and socially connected.
Worksite certification
For the district (including our schools) to earn the designation of a Certified Blue Zones Worksite means we will need to demonstrate measurable improvement in our employees' well-being. In collaboration with Blue Zones, we'll monitor various metrics during the next few years to ensure that our practices make the positive impact we're hoping for.
Certified Blue Zones Worksites have shown a reduction in staff turnover, increased ability to attract and retain top talent, increased employee engagement, and reduced absenteeism. Through this work we have an opportunity to enhance our workplace so every staff member feels empowered to prioritize their well-being and experience joy at work. When our team is healthy and happy, we are better equipped to serve our students and the community.
During this three-year transformation, KUSD employees will see more nutritious food options at work, learn ways to support their mental health, receive tools and resources to collaborate with peers. They will also have opportunities to downshift and prioritize themselves and their families.
Some of the specific items on our list include the following:
• Transform campus environments (e.g., create outdoor walking paths for each campus to encourage moving naturally and implement breakroom initiatives to enhance private spaces for employees to downshift during the day)
• Improve employee policies (e.g. develop a policy outlining core work hours, so employees can disconnect from work and connect with their families, friends, and purpose when they are not at work)
• Strengthen social connections (e.g., build community through moais/social support groups, employee recognition, and volunteer opportunities)
• Enhance well-being programming (e.g., implement purpose workshops and offer training on topics such as mental health, self-care, mindfulness and substance use)
• Improve the food environment (e.g., offer affordable and nutritious options throughout the workday so it's easy for employees to eat wisely)
• Develop leaders (e.g., equip leaders with skills to cultivate a thriving work environment)
We're so happy to be on this journey and we look forward to sharing our progress as we go.
—Becky Salato is Superintendent at Konocti Unified School District
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