Adminstrator Alert from Shargel & Co: Healthy Workforce



Timely Topics for Group Benefits Administrators		Issue 21 July 2007

Good health is good for everyone. A healthy workforce keeps costs down and productivity up. How can employers encourage good health without crossing privacy boundaries?

We've got a few suggestions to get you started, from carrier resources to creative resourcefulness.

Carrier Programs

Most insurance carriers offer free programs for health management, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, chronic condition management, and general health risk evaluations.

Some carriers/health plans even offer members incentives for successful completion of a program.

Here are some examples:

Blue Shield: Healthy Lifestyle Rewards

Blue Cross: Healthy Living / MyHealthAssessment

Kaiser: Health Resources, Classes, Calculators

Remember, it's fine to promote these programs, however, it's never okay to ask if an employee is participating!

Community Initiatives

Resources are available at state and local levels to help you implement "healthy workplace" strategies.

Employer Encouragement

Here are some ways employers can encourage healthy habits:

Have fresh fruit, nuts, and water available, rather than sugary or salty snack foods and soda
Encourage walking groups, hand out pedometers to participants
Order healthy food at lunch meetings
Give desk workers time to stretch and move around every hour
Bring in on-site chair massage for a day, either subsidized or employee paid
Subsidize gym or yoga studio memberships or arrange for a company discount