Columbus Zoo Receives Healthy Workplace Award
Media Alert: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Powell, OH – On Wednesday, October 21 the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will received one of Ohio’s Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards.
After an application was submitted to the Ohio Psychological Association (OPA), a panel of OPA members conducted a site visit. The Zoo was evaluated on five areas: employee involvement, employee growth and development, health and safety, employee recognition and work-life balance.
“During our site visit, the OPA panel met with three various groups of employees—each one stressed that the Zoo is about family,” said Dr. Richard Rynearson, chair of
the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award Committee. “We were impressed with the way the employees interacted and genuinely cared about each other and the
work environment.”
The Zoo has many psychologically healthy workplace programs in place. In the area of employee involvement, a staff advisory committee works with human resources to
develop staff events and special nights when employees can bring their families to enjoy the park. Employees also can submit ideas to a suggestion box, placed
throughout the organization and online.
In addition, many programs are in place to foster employee growth and development. Each employee is given a stipend for tuition reimbursement or conferences. The
Zoo’s Passport program teaches employees about other departments in the Zoo. Frequent educational brown bag lunches are also held throughout the year.
Hard work does not go unrecognized at the Zoo. An annual Employee Recognition Dinner celebrates achievements and honors service milestones. “Caught in Action”
cards reward associates for delivering great guest service, and the “Employee of the Quarter,” nominated by staff, receives a $50 gift card, parking space of their choice
and a feature in the employee newsletter and membership newsletter.
"The Zoo family is thrilled to receive this award,” said Dale Schmidt, interim executive director. “It's a wonderful way to recognize the hard work we all do to make the Zoo a great place not only to visit but also to work!"
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open 363 days a year 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. after Labor Day. General admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 2 to 9 and seniors 60+. Children under 2 and Columbus Zoo members are free. The Zoo was named the #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA.) For more information and to purchase advance Zoo admission tickets, visit www.columbuszoo.org