Companies find health equals wealth

Wellness incentives

While many companies and providers are taking a fresh look at corporate wellness, others have been practicing corporate wellness for years. Here's a look at a few companies in the Baton Rouge area that have made corporate wellness a priority and are reaping the benefits of healthier, more productive employees and lower health care costs.

Albemarle

Type of program: Albemarle's Baton Rouge sites have two eight-week health challenges a year. They also offer on-site health clinics, a running program and health screenings.
Employee participation: 50% to 70%
Return on investment: Since 2008 Albemarle has seen a 5% decrease in its total health care costs to employees, as compared to the national average 25% increase.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Type of program: Healthy You, Healthy Blue provides employees with health fairs and biometric screenings, along with educational events and workshops, a newsletter, on-site gym, healthy cafeteria and vending machines, online tracking, and discounts on health-related products.
Employee participation: 99%
Return on investment:  Blue Cross received recognition from the American Heart Association, in 2009 claims utilization increased by 1.7%, compared to 9.5% nationally.

Ochsner Health Systems

Type of program: Ochsner's program, Pathway to Wellness, rewards employees who participate. Based on the number of points earned, employees will be eligible to win quarterly prizes and cash awards. This program also offers health education classes and events.
Employee participation: 89%
Return on investment: Ochsner's health insurance costs were flat in 2011, compared to 2010. Sixty-six percent of participants are getting enough activity to meet recommended levels for good health.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Pennington offers its employees a variety of opportunities to stay fit, including healthy dining and vending options, group exercise classes and an on-site farmers' market on Thursdays. As a state institute, Pennington is not allowed to give their employees gifts for participation.
Employee participation: 39%

comments powered by Disqus