Get Certified

MHFC Workplace Partner Certification Program

The Mayor’s Health & Fitness Council (MHFC) Workplace Partner Certification Program is a mutually beneficial workplace wellness recognition program for Austin-based organizations of all types and sizes. It was created by the Mayor’s Health & Fitness Council in 2007 in an effort to inspire nutrition, physical activity, tobacco-free living and mother-friendly policies in workplaces.

To achieve MHFC Workplace Partner Certification, organizations must have health initiatives that comprehensively address each of the following categories:

  • Tobacco-Free Living
  • Physical Activity
  • Nutrition
  • Health Education & Preventive Services

Partners must achieve a minimum of 10 points in each category to be certified.  Technical assistance for MHFC Workplace Partner Certification is provided by Austin Public Health.

MHFC Workplace Partner Certification Application Partner Cert & Workplace Awards Combo Application 2022 Workplace Partner Certification Updates Supporting Documentation

 

Certification Levels

The MHFC Workplace Partner Certification application has a total of 100 points. Employers may achieve certification at three levels:

  • Bronze (50-59 points)
  • Silver (60-69 points)
  • Gold (70 points and above, plus tobacco free campus policy)

All employers receiving partner certification will be recognized at an awards and recognition ceremony. Partner certification lasts for 2 years.  Starting in 2022, partnering and recognition programming for workplaces will be celebrated on a biennium.

Benefits to Certification

The benefits to becoming an MHFC Partner Certified Workplace are demonstrable in better health, attitude, productivity, individual and organizational performance. Some studies show a long-term return on investment of $6 in return to every $1 on investment in comprehensive wellness programming. Here are some potential direct benefits:

  • Business owners may be able to negotiate lower health, disability, and life insurance rates
  • May experience greater employee productivity and performance
  • May lower healthcare costs over time
  • May absentee rates
  • May improve employee moral

Besides these benefits, as a partner you will receive regular positive recognition and support for your efforts. You will also join a growing network of leaders in Austin who have come together to share best practices and advocate for healthy change in a larger, more impactful way. Here are some ways your organization will be recognized after certification:

  • A letter of acknowledgement and plaque
  • Co-branding opportunities
  • Public announcement of partnership
  • MHFC website recognition
  • Recognition at public MHFC events
  • Invitation to local Austin Business Group on Health (ABGOH)
  • Expert counsel and support from MHFC members

How to Apply

Step 1: Contact the MHFC to express your interest in getting certified and for free technical assistance with completing the application – [email protected].  Technical assistance is provided by Austin Public Health.

Step 2: Complete and submit your MHFC Workplace Partner Certification application for review. A PDF version of the MHFC Workplace Partner Certification application is available for your convenience. Applications must be submitted online.

Step 3: Submit supporting documentation for all items indicated with an (*) via email to [email protected].  Examples of supporting documentation include: policy, excerpt from employee manual, formal correspondence (email), new employee orientation excerpts, photos, etc.  Items can be submitted as PDF, Word, JPEG, etc. or as a shared drive (i.e. Google Drive, Drop Box).

Step 4: If you are also interested in applying for the Mayor’s Workplace Awards, both applications can be submitted at the same time. Organizations must be MHFC Workplace Partner Certified to be eligible for the Mayor’s Healthiest Workplace and the Moving the Needle awards.

Step 5: The ABGOH Review and Steering Committee will review your application(s) and contact you if any additional information or adjustments are needed.

Step 6: MFHC will notify you of your award and will mail your Letter of Certification, including all of the benefits of certification.

The deadline to apply is July 31, 2022.  All MHFC Workplace Certified Partners must apply for re-certification every two years after the award date.

Can I apply for MHFC Workplace Partner Certification and the Mayor’s Workplace Awards at the same time?

Yes – organizations that are seeking MHFC Workplace Partner Certification and participating in the Mayor’s Workplace Awards can apply for both programs by submitting the combined online application found on this page. Please note the MHFC Workplace Partner Certification application supporting documentation requirements as listed above; applications are not considered completed until supporting documentation is submitted.