Nichols' Homegrown Wellness Program Featured Nationally

How does a college encourage its employees to embrace healthier lifestyles?

It takes teamwork according to Nichols College Vice President of Administration Susan K. Tellier who championed the launch of a wellness program for 130 full-time faculty and staff. Using campus and local resources, she describes the process in an article written for the July /August issue of Business Officer, entitled "Share the Health."

In the last seven years, Nichols' health care expenses have skyrocketed 137 percent, in spite of substantial increases in the percentage of costs paid by employees, now at 25 percent compared to 3.5 percent in FY2000-1, as well as lesser increases in co-payments. Depending on the plan an employee selects, the cost of monthly health care premiums to the institution ranges from $243 for individuals to as much as $797 for families.

"It was hoped that healthier employees would translate to fewer health insurance claims and lower premium increases, along with better attendance and a more productive staff," says Tellier.

The first step was to provide employees with a health assessment which included screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and fat and bone density levels. After employees completed the screening process, they were asked to set personal wellness goals.

The second step was to develop a convenient mix of activities around the College's workday, including aerobics and yoga classes, a Weight Watchers At Work program, circuit training, "Huff and Puff" exercise groups, a subscription to a healthy-living newsletter and scheduled wellness events with motivational speakers.

At the close of the spring 2007 semester, another wellness screen was offered to track participant progress.

"To our immense gratification, many people experienced significant declines in cholesterol and blood pressure readings," says Tellier. "In total, the Weight Watchers group lost 650 pounds and in the walking and biking ("Huff and Puff") clubs, 27 people collectively logged a total of 17,256 miles." For the first year, Nichols College spent a little over $26,000 on its fitness program with half the funds supporting the Weight Watchers program.

Tellier states: "We are starting to see our monthly costs fall back to approximately 85 percent of our contributed premiums, a trend we hope will continue."

But the most visible benefit appears to be happier and more energetic employees who have a refocused commitment to their health.

To read the complete text : "Share the Health"