PBN Healthiest Employers Awards 2024
1,500-4,999 EMPLOYEES #1. AAA Northeast
CEO (or equivalent): John Galvin, CEO and president
Number of employees: 3,306
AT ITS CORE, AAA Northeast’s wellness program can be defined by its diversity and flexibility.
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According to Kristen Botelho-Pires, vice president of total rewards systems and employee health and safety, the evolving program has one goal in mind: to support each individual employee’s goals, as they are relevant to the individual.
The Providence-based automotive and travel services company’s program allows employees to participate in various yearly rebates. Among them are $125 for mental health support; a $250 weight and fitness rebate; a $250 child seat rebate; a $125 rebate for safety glasses; a $100 rebate for shoes; a $125 rebate on smoking cessation; and a 100% paid mental health subscription.
In 2023, the club paid out $295,000 in rebates, up 47% from the prior year.
The company says that employees now receive their free premier AAA membership benefit even sooner. It allows them to experience all the brand has to offer, which brings safety, security and peace of mind for themselves and their family.
For example, just in the past year, the wellness rebates for car seat, fitness and weight management, and the bereavement policy, were enhanced for equity, ease of use and flexibility.
When it comes to addressing the different pillars, employees enrolled in AAA’s health care plan are eligible to earn up to between $500 and $600 in rewards to reduce their premiums by completing healthy activities such as preventive screenings, annual physicals, flu shots, dental exams and more.
“Employees are encouraged to use paid sick time to make and keep these appointments that have a positive outcome on their health,” Botelho-Pires said.
Meanwhile, employees are encouraged to use the annual $250 fitness and weight management rebate that allows all employees, not just those on the health care plan, to support their wellness and fitness goals. The club also provides 100% paid access to the mental health platform called myStrength by Livongo/Teledoc, a fully paid employee assistance program for all employees. The program includes five covered sessions with a licensed counselor and promotes access to mental health resources under the health care plan.
The annual $125 mental health rebate is one of AAA’s most popular employee programs. The rebate can be spent on anything that pertains to the employee’s mental health such as spa services, mobile apps, therapy sessions, yoga and hobbies.
Additionally, AAA CEO and President John Galvin sends biweekly emails and holds biannual town meetings about mental health to help remove any negative stigma about it.
Also, AAA recently had its most successful online virtual health fair to date. Botelho-Pires says the fair had a record 5,520 visitors, 1,000 more than last year. It also had 289 AAA employees attending live sessions and 333 feedback entries.
Regarding flexible work arrangements, hybrid work and return-to-work policies, the company has struck a harmonious balance between employees’ well-being and business productivity.
“This balance was continually monitored and communication and collaboration with employees was imperative throughout the pandemic and beyond,” said Ron Arigo, chief human resources officer.
With the hybrid work model, employees follow a 2-3 arrangement, in which everyone comes to work on the same three days. This approach, Arigo says, fosters energy, encourages collaboration and fulfills the need for social connection.
“Our commitment to both employee well-being and organizational success drives our dynamic workplace,” Arigo said. “Whether it’s remote work or in-person roles, our policies are designed to accommodate diverse business needs and personal comfort and safety.”
Arigo says there is a robust online training and resource area that includes company-paid technology and equipment, wellness tips, videos produced by AAA’s safety team specific to roles companywide, on-demand comfort zone training, an at-home safety checklist and one-on-one support for employees.
“Our leave and accommodations team is dedicated to working one-on-one with employees and their providers, including [a] return to work post-leave and post-injury to ensure a positive outcome for both employee and organization,” Arigo said.
A HEALTHY THOUGHT:‘Employees are encouraged to use paid sick time to make and keep these appointments that have a positive outcome on their health.’
KRISTEN BOTELHO-PIRES, AAA Northeast vice president of total rewards, systems, and employee health and safety
