Better well-being has landed at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport—the first airport in the country to become a Blue Zones Project Approved™ worksite for its commitment to practices that support longer, better lives.
With 1,900 employees, DFW Airport is one of the largest employers in Fort Worth to join the Blue Zones Project movement. To become a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite, the airport implemented or continued a variety of simple best practices for well-being. Actions include encouraging walking or standing meetings, designating spaces where employees can downshift during the workday, creating a healthy “lunch with a coworker” program, and publishing walking routes through the airport. In addition, 26 percent of employees have signed the Blue Zones Personal Pledge to make healthy choices in their own lives.
“The Blue Zone Project movement captured the attention of our senior management because it complements the airport’s LiveWell employee health and wellness program,” said Steven Linden, Health and Wellness Manager for DFW Airport. “By creating a healthier, more energetic workforce, we can deliver even better customer service and provide a more holistic experience for our employees, at work, at home, and in the community.”
Worksites that adopt Blue Zones principles have experienced increased productivity and lowered healthcare costs. To date, over 80 worksites have earned approval in Fort Worth, including major employers like Texas Health Resources, Bank of America, and Lockheed Martin. The airport celebrated its approval Wednesday, April 19, with a special ceremony and employee health fair.
As the fourth busiest airport in the world, DFW Airport is a leader in many ways, and its participation in Blue Zones Project as a worksite really underscores the important role employers play in well-being,” said Matt Dufrene, vice president of Blue Zones Project, Fort Worth. “We spend so much of our time at work that small changes on the job can add up to a significant impact. The airport serves as an example for other organizations throughout our region and beyond.”