Wellness Incentives Are Paying Off

IndustryWeek

"As a company who produces health-related products, our philosophy of emphasizing wellness measures in our workforce was natural. We encourage employees to become more accountable for their health and so we offer lifestyle coaching tied directly to health evaluations," explains Christine Frazier, Manager, Insurance Benefits and Wellness for Nature's Sunshine Products. Nature's Sunshine Products manufactures herbal products, natural vitamins and other complementary products.

Nature's Sunshine does not charge its employees premiums for their health coverage and wants to continue that practice. But with costs increasing they are now asking employees to join the wellness program in order to keep premiums free. In the first year 95% of employees participated. As the program enters its third year, the company is ramping up the requirements and asking employees to meet objectives that have been individualized for them through the IHS program.