What Employers Are Doing To Encourage Wellness

To get a better idea of the types of programs that New Jersey employers are offering, we contacted HR executives from different companies of various sizes throughout the state.  All are concerned with employee wellness in general, and each has implemented a number of specific programs to address the problem (see www.biz4nj.com/cover_story.php?cid=26). 

In addition to these companies, several others have also implemented employee wellness programs.  Enroute Computer Solutions (www.enroute-computer.com) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, for example, offers its employees in-house exercise facilities, periodic workshops held by visiting professionals, discounts to local fitness facilities and programs to reduce dysfunctional behavior such as smoking cessation.

“Our company just implemented a Wellness Program in May of this year that includes our first annual comprehensive screening,” says Renee Peabody, Director of Human Resources.  “We plan to continue this every year, depending on the interest of our staff.  It is not a complete physical, but will include blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, heart rate, height, weight, a paper-based Body Mass Index, and brief wellness counseling. 

This screening is free of charge to all staff, and will be paid by the company.”
Peabody cites several benefits that management feels will accrue to the company as a result of the Wellness Program.  These include reduced absenteeism as a result of better overall health, lower stress levels among employees, improved alertness because of balanced nutrition and fewer accidents and/or injuries as a result of lower obesity and greater flexibility.  “Our hope is that our employees will realize the importance of taking responsibility for their own health and, by doing so, help our company reduce its health care costs,” she says.

Nancy Wolman, Director of Human Resources for MicroDose Therapeutx (www.mdtx.com) of Monmouth Junction, says that her company realizes that there are benefits to be gained by implementing a Wellness Program, but economic considerations prohibit doing so at the present time.  “As an interim measure, however, we are bringing in outside speakers to promote increased awareness of good health practices,” she explains.

Reducing stress is a major consideration for AK Systems (www.aksystems-inc.com) of Edison, a consulting firm specializing in challenging assignments.  “To relieve stress, we offer Yoga and Meditation training on a periodic basis,” says BJ Jhaveri, Director of Operations.  “Because increased efficiency leads to reduced stress, we also offer Time Management counseling, including Setting Work Goals to reduce 11th hour stress, and seminars on Public Speaking, which can be a stressful activity for many people.”

Looking to the future, the company plans to offer incentives to employees who practice desirable behaviors such as smoking cessation, alcohol intake reduction, weight loss and balanced nutrition.  “We also plan to reward employees who enroll in community service programs, especially those involving physical activity,” Jhaveri explains. 

“We applaud initiatives such as these,” says EANJ’s Sarno.  “Such efforts to improve employee wellness are completely consistent with our goal of reducing employer’s healthcare costs.”