April 20, 2007

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Protect your assets — all of them

By Pat Dando
Special to the Times

With health care costs now growing at a rate four times that of wages, the status quo approach in this country can no longer be ignored. This subject has quickly risen to the top of the political agenda and with it, a mounting concern that unhealthy lifestyles are at the root of a nationwide crisis that promises to have serious impacts on businesses and communities.

Lawmakers are crafting proposals for a universal solution that would provide coverage for uninsured children and working families, while debating appropriate cost-sharing levels for businesses and employees. As the Chamber waits for more specific details before weighing in on current proposals, there is much that can be done now that would benefit both business’s bottom line and valued employees.

In December, we brought together experts in the field of employee wellness to participate in “GoWell!”—a Chamber summit designed to provide members with valuable insight into rising health care costs, while offering proven strategies for reducing premiums and fostering healthier lifestyles. Attendees left with specific ways to developing employee wellness programs. Among those, three emerged as driving forces that are leading the way toward healthier, more productive employees, fewer claims and decreasing premiums:

Healthier workplaces. Simple signage can remind employees to improve their health by skipping the elevator and taking the stairs, choosing the water fountain over calorie-rich soft drinks and filling vending machines with nutritious alternatives. Try mapping out a walking trail both in and outside the office to encourage physical activity.

Reward healthy behavior. Business can encourage employees to adopt healthier lifestyle habits by offering incentives in exchange for fewer sick days such as roaming holidays, gift cards and others. This investment can lead to lower premiums and increased productivity.

Employee health care savings accounts. HSAs sound complicated, but they’re not. Employees agree to higher deductibles in return for cash payouts that can be saved or spent on deductibles. It’s a win-win scenario that encourages employees to stay healthy while employers can benefit from fewer medical claims. Consult with your insurance expert on the advantages of this approach.

We know that many of our businesses are already starting to see the benefits of implementing programs like those mentioned above. The benefit is higher productivity because of healthier employees. Silicon Valley businesses are taking the lead by developing healthy workplaces and setting the bar for others.

In an effort to recognize these successful models, the California Task Force on Youth and Wellness is looking for applicants for its Fourth Annual California Fit Business Award. Many of our members fit the criteria and we encourage you to apply at www.wellnesstaskforce.org. The winner will receive a crystal trophy, a senate resolution and more importantly, become a model for other California businesses to follow. For more information on the Fit Business Challenge, call (916) 760-7448.

Today, it’s more important than ever to protect your assets, which not only include your business, but your employees as well. Take care of your employees and they will take care of business.

Pat Dando is the president/CEO of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the chamber call (408) 291-5250 or visit www.sjchamber.com.