Archive: December 2007

It's working well

Happy, healthy employees are the hallmark of Accident Fund's wellness program

Ever since Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, headquartered in downtown Lansing, decided to start a worksite wellness program, executives have been seeing less and less of their employees.

That’s because this hands-on, and very active program, called eBalance, has been embraced by employees, and, as a result, they’re losing weight. Since the program debuted in 2005, employees who have participated in the program have lost a total of 2,500 pounds, according to Accident Fund’s Wellness Specialist Jenny Quinn.

Elizabeth Haar, Accident Fund’s president and chief executive officer, is proud of her company’s progress and hands-on approach to health and wellness.

“Instead of being a fad that people lose interest in, wellness and caring about each other’s health has become a part of our culture,” she said. “Our employees tend to stick with a program and reach their exercise or weight loss goals, generally because Jenny devotes so much energy to helping people succeed. We have tons of wellness information on our intranet site, but it’s Jenny’s personal touch that makes the real difference.”

“We surveyed Accident Fund employees in the beginning of 2007 and, of the surveyed employees, 71 percent indicated that they have improved their quality of life in some way through eBalance,” Quinn added. “Approximately 95 percent of the group fitness participants reported having improved energy, strength and muscle definition.”

Standing for employee balance, eBalance promotes health and wellness of participants, as well as addressing mental, emotional, physical and social health issues. Quinn said that more than 50 percent of the 640 employees at Accident Fund participate. In October, Accident Fund introduced the program to its subsidiary United Heartland, with locations in Wisconsin, Illinois and North Carolina. More than 50 percent of those employees have also joined.

All Accident Fund employees are eligible to participate in eBalance activities. They have access to a multitude of tools to help with their wellness education, and motivation to get healthy with the support to stay healthy.

Within eBalance, there is an online tool called incentaHEALTH, which delivers personal messages via e-mail to participants about nutrition, physical activity and exercise. In addition, there are also educational classes, group fitness classes, health screenings, onsite yoga classes, stress management discussions and discounts on smoking cessation services.

“There are many diets and programs out there, but the support is sometimes lacking,” said Nick Pearson, 29, a business continuity specialist at Accident Fund. He has been with the program for a year and a half and lost 30 pounds. “Here, you are constantly getting information about your health and ways to improve it.

“The education provided is phenomenal. While Jenny (Quinn) likes to try to keep it simple for all of us, her presentations, and the guests that come to speak to us, allow us to really understand what different foods do to our bodies and how a healthy diet and a regular exercise program can help you reach your life goals.”

“I was overweight and newly diagnosed with diabetes when I first started participating in eBalance activities,” said Nancy Barton, 43, a bill review specialist at Accident Fund. She has been part of the wellness program for two and a half years and has lost 40 pounds. “My lifestyle was sedentary and I didn’t work out at all. This program has helped me change my outlook. I eat better, feel stronger and my knees don’t ache anymore. I was determined to beat diabetes and I have.”

Employees who participate in incentaHEALTH and lose weight can even receive a small bonus in their paychecks. According to Quinn, employees receive a dollar amount for their percentage of weight loss. For example, a 5 percent loss equals $5 per month. People who maintain weight also receive an incentive at the end of each year.

To keep incentaHEALTH’s participants on track, there is a special weigh-in area inside Accident Fund’s building where employees key in an identification number, step on the scale and allow their picture to be taken. As they progress through the program, they can monitor their weight loss and through the weigh-ins, they can also visibly see the improvements of their efforts.

Sally Flores, 25, is an account service technician with Accident Fund. She said she joined the wellness program to learn more about living a healthy lifestyle. After a year, she’s seen a difference in her outlook on life.

“I have learned the difference between dieting and living a healthy life style,” Flores said. “Food is your friend, as long as you are eating the right thing. I have learned how to exercise and take care of my body with out having to belong to a gym. I am having a ton of fun.”

Jeff Larson has lost more than 100 pounds during his two and a half years in the wellness program. Larson, 39, is an Information Services’s security specialist. “I have more confidence in myself and my abilities,” he said. “This is an outstanding program.”

If you think these comments are unusual, think again. Haar and Quinn agree that this program has had great success.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard a negative comment about the program,” Haar said. “Even employees who aren’t taking part in a formal class tell us they appreciate having weekly tips, not having pop and candy machines on every floor, and that we offer healthy eating options in the cafeteria.”

“Our goal is to grow the program enough that there is something for everyone,” Quinn said. “I think the biggest challenge is trying to meet the needs and wants of hundreds of very different and unique individuals. This is a challenge, and, at the same time, a great opportunity. This is something that forces you to have an ever-changing and comprehensive program. People are not ‘one size fits all,’ so health promotion programs shouldn’t be, either.”