Getting employees to change unhealthy habits, exercise, eat right, and do all the other little things that make for better health and lower health care costs is fiendishly difficult. As a nation, we’ve proven that if anything, trying to change behavior is a losing proposition.
But every now and then there’s a glimmer of hope, with evidence that some change is possible – and sustainable.
Earlier this week the Orlando Sentinel had a front page article about one company’s very successful campaign to help its workers shed some pounds. The company, Total Medical Solutions (HSA consulting client, altho I take no credit for this success), started a team-based weight loss program that has resulted in the disappearance of hundreds of pounds, bonded workers from different parts of the company together around a common goal, and led to some significant business for area clothing stores.
While the benefits for workers are apparent – better health, greater self-esteem, more energy – there are also long term benefits for TMS in the form of (hopefully) lower medical expense for costs associated with obesity. Diseases including hypertension and diabetes are strongly associated with obesity; returning to a healthy weight can dramatically reduce the chance someone will contract these conditions.
There’s another benefit – TMS grouped their workers together in teams, teams that crossed department and positional lines. Execs from one department found themselves allied with line workers from another area; accountants with call center staff, operations with marketing (now there’s an idea…) – all working together to lose weight.
I’ve got to believe that this sharing of a common goal will have other benefits, in the form of renewed commitment to corporate objectives, a better ability to work together, and a stronger sense of team.
Kudos to the folks at TMS for finding a creative way to help their staff get healthier.
Jul
13
