Employee Wellness: Maximizing Human Capital

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Slide # Title & Content
1 Washoe County School District
Employee Wellness: Maximizing Human Capital

Lessons Learned * Real Results
October 26, 2006

Aaron M. Hardy, MS

(image: HHS, HealthierUS, Washoe County School District logos and photos of children)

2 Washoe County School District
Healthy Behavior Adherence – Core of Wellness

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are. - Max De Pree

  • Primary Prevention
  • Chronic Disability
  • Morbidity
Lifestyle can do more to improve well-being, now and for years to come, than the best medicines available. – Walter C. Willett, M.D.

(image: photo of Niagara Falls)

3 Highlights

  • A decade of experience
  • Over 80,000 online program participants
  • Published ROI: $15 per dollar spent (Prev Med. 2005 Feb; 40(2)131-7)
  • Self-funded plan: $13 million dollar surplus + no 2006 rate increase
  • Constant wellness program enrollment – 86% increase to 22,013
  • Incentive Model – Secures $300,000 per year from non-participants
  • CDC reviewed nine wellness programs, including WCSD, across the country to establish best practices in health promotion.
  • 2006 Honorable Mention C. Everett Koop National Health Award
  • 2006 Secretary's Innovation in Prevention Award

4 Lesson 1: A Solid Foundation - HealthierUS

  • Physical Activity
  • Proper Nutrition
  • Preventive Screenings / Annual Physical
  • Smart Daily Health Decisions

Real Impact: I started your programs when I started with the district, so my goal is to maintain the healthy habits year after year.

5 Lesson 2: Small and Simple Things

  • Information overload – dilutes core health message
  • Complex adult lives – maximize 21st century technology
  • Less is most always more – create the catalyst
    • Simple behavior adherence programs
  • Wellness doesn't need to be fancy, just faithful

Real Impact: I have never participated in this program because I thought it would be one more stress to deal with during the holidays. What a surprise it was actually very helpful because it made me take the time to eat right and that made me feel better.

6 Lesson 3: Build a Connection

  • Instant gratification, bodies viewed as objects
  • Consequences for poor health choices
  • Perceived value of health

Real Impact: I think the biggest benefit of the program is having a goal in mind that requires a little effort every day to emphasize a healthy lifestyle.

7 Lesson 4: Stay on the High Road

  • Adhere to solid foundation
  • Avoid involvement with groups or organizations that erode the core
  • If it isn't for all, it may not be worth your time

Real Impact: The wellness program is outstanding. We all know the right thing to do but the gentle and thought provoking reminders help us keep our busy lives on track.

8 Lesson 5: Start Now and Be Steady

  • Most all adults want to be happy and healthy – create a clear path
  • Constant wellness programming – be faithful
  • Develop a permanent culture of wellness – engage the masses

Real Impact: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I always look forward to the new programs. They provide a focus on getting healthy and staying healthy and promoting a lifestyle of good habits. Keep it up.

9 Lesson 6: That is the Way It Is

  • Adults should be expected to engage in appropriate health actions
  • Good Health Incentive Program - revenue from non-participants

Real Impact: Thanks for your awesome program. You save our district lots of money, because I hardly need to see doctor anymore, besides annual check up. Keep up the great work. Thanks!

10

(image: Physician Screening sheet)

11 Other Incentive Models
  • Blood pressure, tobacco use, BMI, and cholesterol $40 rebate towards medical premium Pass all four, $10 cash incentive
  • Blood pressure, tobacco use, and BMI $80 discount towards medical premium have to be in lists as in original to make sense

(image: St. Mary's logo)

12 Lesson 7: What Lasts the Longest Matters Most

  • Healthy behavior adherence – core of wellness programs
  • Untapped power that drives permanent long-term lifestyle changes
  • High participation rates – the true marker of success

Real Impact: I love these incentive programs! I lost 28 pounds in one year's time. I am within 5 pounds of my perfect weight. It keeps us all on the right track.

13 Voluntary Program Enrollment

Sweat To Health!
Common Cents!
Holiday Weight Challenge
Healthy Breakfast Club!
Fitness Challenge
Scrubadub!
A Healthier You!
Energize Your Life!
Wellness Adventures
Gym Benefit Program
Pay For Success

(image: bar graph titled "Incentive-driven Behavior Change Programs")

14 Show Me The Money!

Incentive-driven Behavior Change Programs
Washoe County School District

  • $15.60 return on investment for every dollar spent during 2001 and 2002 through a 20 percent reduction in absenteeism (Prev Med. 2005 Feb; 40(2)131-7).
  • The 2003 data analysis showed that wellness participants are 26 percent more likely to be in the lowest quartile of healthcare costs.
  • The most recent analysis from 2001 through 2004 indicated a 7 percent reduction in the average dollar claim and fewer overall claims for wellness participants.
  • 2005 Rx analysis in progress

15 How To: Simple Components of the WCSD

  • Secure a dedicated URL – wellness effort transparent to members
  • Produce professional looking invitations mailed to home addresses
  • Maximize the use of emails
  • Form processing for Good Health Incentive Program
  • Incentives
  • Become a Demo Member of the WCSD Wellness Program

Real Impact: These programs are an inspiration and an excellent way to keep people on the track to good health. Like earning a gold star!!

16 Washoe County School District
Maximizing Human Capital

Wellness is worth our every effort today!

Aaron Hardy, MS
Washoe County School District
ahardy@washoe.k12.nv.us
www.washoe.k12.nv.us/wellness
775.348.3859

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