Most health insurance companies have always offered a lower or discounted rate on medical insurance for those policy holders that live a healthy lifestyle. Some big employers are now following the lead of these insurance companies by implementing incentive programs for their workers. Many of these incentive programs have encouraged employees to quit smoking, lose weight, eat healthier or exercise. Employers offer rewards such as a cash bonus or vacation days. These incentive programs have been proven to make employees of several workplaces happier and healthier. Co-workers can also encourage each other to meet their health goals through the program.
The first few companies to implement incentive programs for those willing to change their lifestyle to a healthier one may have run into a few snags along the way. Rockford Acromatic Products is an auto-part manufacturing company located in Illinois that ran into a problem when their incentive program was implemented. The company wanted to focus on the employees who smoked cigarettes and used tobacco products. The company started an incentive program that offered employees $250 in bonus money for quitting smoking for several months. While this seemed like a great incentive for those employees who used tobacco, those who were already smoke-free also wanted a piece of the pie. Several employees took up the unhealthy habit just so they could qualify for the incentive program and receive the $250 reward for quitting.
Once management of Rockford realized what was going on with the employees, they knew they had to revise the incentive program. They hired an outside wellness company to design a weight-loss program for their employees that also offered incentives. With the new program in place, even those employees that are already healthy and fit can receive bonus money for simply joining and following the program. Every quarter, those employees enrolled in the program that are active and following the plan can receive about $15 to $30 as an incentive bonus.
Companies such as IBM, Johnson & Johnson and Pitney Bowes have also hired fitness and wellness companies to design and implement health programs for their employees. The employees of these companies have found the programs to be successful because they can feel the pressure of their peers and co-workers to succeed. The incentives that are offered, such as bonuses or vacation days, also help to keep these employees on track with their health goals. Pitney Bowes also offered reimbursement for gym equipment or memberships for their employees.
The companies that are offering these health incentive programs may be dishing out money that outsiders and critics may see as a waste of profit. However, with healthier employees, many of these companies are seeing less sick days, more focus and a much higher production level. A happy and healthy staff has also been a great way for these companies to boost the moral of the company environment. By working towards the same goal of staying healthy and fit, employees can bond closer together and work better in a stressful environment.
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