Healthcare isn't just expensive for individuals, it can get pricey for employers too. According to a recent CBRE Healthcare report, Fountain Valley, Calif.-based MemorialCare Health System has completely embraced and incorporated workplace wellness into its corporate culture.
MemorialCare implemented a wellness program in 2006 that includes biometric screening, financial health, and societal and motivational support. The initiative is called "The Good Life."
As part of the initiative, MemorialCare added to its facilities on-site fitness classes, healthy nutritional alternatives in vending machines and educational programs on financial planning, healthy cooking and improving sleep.
Ultimately, the MemorialCare wellness plan and culture is driven by these three guiding principles:
1. Aligning wellness with other organizational goals.
2. Creating an environment of well-being by keeping communication positive.
3. Focusing on the value of the individual wellness journey.
"Migrating from viewing our corporate responsibility from taking care of our employees when they were ill to creating an environment that promotes physical wellness and happy relationships at work and home has had a tremendous positive impact on our work force," said David Tillman, director of the wellness program. "We believe this translates into improving our ability to promote compassionate care to the people we serve."
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