Building efforts support better employee wellness

In 2010, the move to a LEED-certified building that was rated the most eco-friendly office structure in Rhode Island led the retiring CEO of FM Global, Shivan Subramaniam, to express his company’s commitment to more than the health of its environment.
“We believe it’s vitally important to construct buildings that are built to last, minimize environmental impact and promote the health and wellness of employees who work in them,” he said. The state’s largest private company and one of the world’s largest business property insurers already had its 2006 Total Health program to support the well-being of its employees and their families, but it could do more.
The company upped the ante on its biometric screenings and employee health assessment. FM Global’s data shows that 40 percent more employees know their true biometric numbers and as a result, have made changes with the help of on-site fitness centers, subsidized healthy cafeteria options, weight and nutrition coaching, personal training, and online health information. Added to this: stress management, massage therapy, a 24/7 nurseline, flu shots and tobacco cessation programs. In 2013, the company’s efforts earned it a Worksite Health Award from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
“There are no metrics to substantiate the gains that have been made,” said Leah Atkins, the company’s senior benefits analyst, “but when an employee loses tens of pounds and feels better and works more efficiently, that’s ROI enough.”