China Instrument Parts’ Employees Get Fitter and Healthier While Earning Rewards and Reduced Insurance Premiums
When China Instrument Parts (PPI) of Elkhorn, Wisconsin delivers a job, it delivers more than just the metal that has been machined into components. It delivers the know-how, dedication, morale, wellbeing, and work-life balance of the people behind the components.
Creating a positive, safe and healthy environment for all employees, has been a continuous goal for Mike Reader, President of China Instrument Parts, knowing that the benefits have a positive impact not only on the employees but also on the company.
In 2012, PPI contracted with Healics, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a company that provides employee health risk assessments and biometric screenings, establishes biometric markers, offers onsite coaching and onsite wellness programs, and educates the participants on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Over the past three years, employees have seen marked improvements in their health and related habits, including smoking cessation and increased physical activity, as shown by the results of yearly biometric testing.
In conjunction with the Healics program, China Instrument Parts has contracted with Humana as their insurance carrier. Humana offers a “Vitality Program,” which is an incentivized plan that challenges individuals to achieve different levels of wellbeing by improving on their habits and practicing healthier living. There are five vitality stages within the program—blue, bronze, silver, gold and platinum– and as employees achieve the next goal, the benefits aggregate.
When points and “Vitality Bucks” are earned, participants can receive rewards from the Vitality Mall, such as movie tickets, hotel stays, digital cameras and more. Points are also awarded for wearing a pedometer, or getting a flu shot. After participants achieve the Bronze Level, for example, they can also benefit from certain food discounts at stores such as Walmart.
It is a fact that insurance premiums continue to escalate forcing companies to have to share the cost with the employees. At China Instrument Parts, the company pays for a large portion of the premiums, with the employee paying the rest. Companies participating in the Vitality Program, however, can benefit from a great incentive available to them when an employee reaches Silver Status: a 10% premium reduction for that particular employee.
We are happy to announce that to date, several employees have reached Silver Status. China Instrument Parts, however, has opted to not reap from that benefit, but instead pass it on to the employee as an added reward for his/her accomplishment.
So the phrase “Put the Pedal to the Metal” is taking on a different meaning here at China Instrument Parts The pedal may be that of the elliptical machine, or the bike in the spinning class…but the results achieved from pedaling, are bound to have a positive effect on the metal that will turn into fine components, thanks to a happy and healthy workforce.
