7 GREAT IDEAS

Eating well at work has never been so easy or delicious. Employers are doing more than ever to encourage and reward healthy behaviors. Financially, it makes sense; for every dollar a company invests in wellness programs, it saves an average of $3.14 (in health insurance, sick leave, etc.), according to one study. So, how can employers - all kings, sizes, in various settings - help their staffers to eat and live well? Here are some creative ideas that will inspire you to initiate positive change in your own work world.

Ditch the vending machine: Replace it with a refrigerator to save energy and get rid of a tempting junk-food showcase. Stock the fridge with water, 100% fruit juices and other healthy beverages.

Recruit a "moving crew: Each week, invite employees to gather at lunchtime for a brisk 30 minute walk. Spend the second half of lunch hour back at the office, enjoying a healthy meal together.

Stock healthy snacks at the office: Such as fresh fruit and nuts.

"Turn off" together: Make it a company policy to power down the switchboard for an hour at lunchtime so that hardworking staffers can take a peaceful yoga class or enjoy a mindful meal.

Call in a healthy caterer: Instead of ordering pizza to sustain your team during seminars or late work nights. Offer fresh wraps, salads and sandwiches along with apple slices, bottled water and homemade cookies.

Demand change: Join together with other employees to bring local foods and healthier choices to the company cafeteria.

Send in the farm: Once a week, call on a local farm to deliver a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) "share" of fresh produce. From the bounty, employee volunteers can prepare communal lunches for the entire staff.

WHAT EVERY SELF-INSURED EMPLOYER SHOULD KNOW

An excerpt from a study published in Medical Benefits Review indicates that the use of certain practices in health care management could explain enormous differences in per-employee costs - as much as 30% to 50% between two otherwise comparable employers. Your plan, as administered by GISC, utilizing GISC, utilizing GISC TotalCare addresses each one of the following findings:

Finding #1. Companies that focus on managing the health of their covered employees through targeted, clinically based care management programs have an average of 18.2% lower health care costs. Case management programs that monitor quality of care and provide nurse-counseling support for catastrophically ill or injured patients have the greatest impact on health care costs.

Finding #2. Cash-based incentives, when used to drive desirable health behaviors, strangely correlate to reduced health care costs, while other forms of incentives have an insignificant, or even negative, impact. Employers using cash-based incentives average 15.1% reduction in total cost per benefit-eligible employee. Cash-based incentives included one or more of the following:

~ Reduction in plan premium

~ Direct cash payout

~ Contribution to health reimbursement arrangement or health saving account.

Finding #3. Excellence in benefits administration and communication has a direct correlation with 12.7% lower health care costs per employee. Seven keys practices which were found to have a high impact on savings include:

1. Selecting vendors that have the ability to share information/data with each other.

2. Using vendors who provide a seamless experience for members.

3. Ensuring member eligibility is accurate and up-to-date.

4. Having a unified, coordinated process for processing.

5. Communicating all health related messages with a common "look".

6. Devoting a specific communication vehicle to the promotion of employee health.

7. Targeting health communications to both employees and their families.

One Hundred and Fifteen companies, representing almost 4 million covered lives participated in this survey.