The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) celebrated its certification as a Blue Zones Worksite on January 10. The event highlighted DCCA’s multi-year commitment to developing a healthier and more connected workplace environment, culminating in the significant achievement of being the first government entity to be certified.
The Blue Zones Project is a community-wide initiative by HMSA that seeks to improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities. The project focuses on systematically changing a community’s environment through policy, building design, social networks, and the physical environment. Different designations are awarded depending on the organization’s undertaking. The certification process DCCA completed is a customized approach that takes years to achieve.
DCCA and the Blue Zones Team pose with the certificate. (Left to Right: DCCA Deputy Director Dean Hazama, DCCA Director Nadine Ando, Sean Kinilau, Tara Murphy, Blue Zones Rep. Joslyn Sato, HMSA Rep. Maricel Blackwell) Photo courtesy: Hawai‘i DCCA
This project started in December 2018 with four focus groups and a department-wide survey assessing current well-being to identify opportunities for improvement. During the four years it took to reach certification, volunteer employees organized and led dedicated worksite wellness initiatives to include activity groups, a regular healthy food policy, team-building opportunities, and weekly lunch-and-learn workshops.
“This certification is not just a milestone; it’s a testament to the power of collective well-being,” said Sean Kinilau, a driving force behind the DCCA’s Blue Zones initiative.
DCCA’s commitment to the best practices of the Blue Zones Project resulted in positive outcomes throughout its operations and among its employees. Key HR metrics, including employee turnover, overtime costs, absenteeism, overall employee engagement, and social connectedness, all saw improvements.