Multifaceted wellness effort

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Offerings at South County Health's cafeteria are designed to support wellness efforts. This day a food tasting of citrus-spiced lentil salad was offered by Rob Fancher, a diet and nutrition intern from Johnson & Wales University. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Offerings at South County Health's cafeteria are designed to support wellness efforts. This day a food tasting of citrus-spiced lentil salad was offered by Rob Fancher, a diet and nutrition intern from Johnson & Wales University. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

CEO (or equivalent): Louis R. Giancola, CEO and president

Number of employees: 969

There’s an old saying about the cobbler’s children not having adequate footwear. And while that adage may hold true for some, South County Health is proud to say that’s not the case when it comes to the health of its employees.

“It all starts with our mission in terms of health and our values of caring,” said Maggie Thomas, assistant vice president and chief human resources officer, of her organization’s drive to create holistically helpful wellness programs for its employees. “This is a really important way that we can show that we care.”

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Thomas said that some of the wellness programming was already in place when she arrived 12 years ago. But in 2010 there was a concerted effort to ramp up the company’s offerings as it switched to a self-funded health insurance program, which led to the new program’s fitting moniker: Well Beyond.

Well Beyond is a comprehensive program encompassing physical activity, nutrition and stress management, all gold standards in wellness programs. But South County also offers career and financial wellness, too.

Thomas spoke of the “a-ha” moment she had while reading a book on holistic well-being: “There are various components to wellness, and really, an overall feeling of high well-being requires that these components are all addressed. Without financial security, it’s very difficult to focus on those higher needs and opportunities,” she said, evoking Maslow’s hierarchy, the concept that self-actualization can only happen once basic needs are met.

To that end, South County Health offers programs to promote budgeting and proper credit habits, as well as Caring in Crisis, a venture that allows staff to pool together to help colleagues experiencing acute financial needs. And as for career wellness, Thomas said: “We try and make sure we as well are supporting staff in their careers and their growth. You need to be happy in your work in order to feel a high sense of overall well-being.”

To help promote physical wellness, staff enjoy free 24/7 access to an on-site gym as well as a range of classes. Healthy foods – entrees and sides that hit certain marks determined by the South County Health nutrition team – are readily available within the cafeteria, and at a preferred pricing structure to boot. Healthy cooking demos in the cafeteria are exceptionally popular, said Thomas, and broaden the staff’s palate and recipe repertoire.

Members can earn points for participating in wellness activities that translate to financial incentives – up to $300 per employee per year. Spouses are eligible for the incentives as well – up to $600 per couple. In 2015, Thomas said, the company expanded its offerings to include on-site wellness coaching to help staffers make sense of their options and to make choices about the best course of action based on their personal goals.

“Having an on-site wellness coach is something we’re hearing is very valuable,” said Thomas. Staff “can meet with this person, talk about what their objectives are and develop a plan.”

South County continues to seek feedback and reassess its wellness benefits as time goes on.

The administration hopes to increase its assistance to staff who are managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. And just this past spring, the group found a way to integrate the continuing education credits that many of its staff need to keep their licenses up to date into the Well Beyond program.

“We were able to offer a wellness education program that the staff can benefit from [personally] and at the same time they can learn information that can help them in the care of their patients,” she said.

The involvement of employees at all levels of the organization exemplifies a company culture that truly has well-being at its core.

Bob Buscher, a painter in the facilities department, wasn’t a hard sell; he’s been an athlete his entire life, and has already lived a “pretty healthy lifestyle.” But he still credits the Well Beyond program with helping him stay in shape – he uses the gym and occasionally bikes to work. But more than that, Buscher said his participation has a positive ripple effect. A single father, he spoke of wanting his daughter to understand the importance of healthy meals and activity.

“I’d like to say that it’s definitely helped me and my family,” he said.

And he was keenly aware of the fact that a healthier workforce helps keep costs down for everyone. “The more people that take advantage of these programs, the more reasonable our insurance will be. That’s huge.” •

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