Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/599529
18 | /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING • November 2015 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m B A C K O F F I C E Lean means green Onsite wellness programs saving companies more money BY ANDREW SCHAICK T H E W O R K F O R C E D O E S N ' T work as well when it's not healthy. Whether it's an illness, overall health and fitness or personal challenges, production suffers when the employees on the floor aren't at their best. Without tools to help in place, manufacturers risk losing both growth opportunities and high- quality employees. To keep the workforce healthy and humming along, manufacturers in Northeast Wisconsin are launching and ramping up their wellness programs. Whether it's onsite centers where employees can get in a good workout or onsite clinics to help with illnesses and minor medical problems, manufacturers know they can only succeed with a healthy workforce. For Miller Electric, its onsite edaCare clinic has been a resource for employees for the past 10 years. Besides a nurse or a health coach, the center features an onsite doctor who is available four hours each week. Linda Pintar, benefits manager for Miller Electric, says having a doctor on site helps employees address multiple concerns. "Our doctor sees primarily work- related issues like occupational concerns," Pintar says. "But if he has openings, he will see other patients for other health concerns as well." Miller Electric's parent company, Illinois Tool Works, also provides a wellness program which Miller supports, and for the employees, the rewards of participating can make for some nice perks. "If employees do health risk assessments, they get a reduction in their health premium," Pintar says. "ey are also entered into drawings where they can win $5,000 in travel vouchers, free premiums for a year, and gi cards that relate to wellness." Menasha Corp. recently received a Gold Level Well Workplace designation from e Wellness Council of America for its worksite wellness initiatives. Even though it does not have an onsite wellness center, Menasha Corp. found another way to help employees get active and healthy — assisting with membership costs for gyms and health programs. "Our initiative is to get people engaged in their health and wellness," says Rick Fantini, vice president of human resources for Menasha Corp. "We want to give people the opportunity and encourage them to join a health club or a gym, so we pay 50 percent of their membership, up to $250." Recently, Galloway Company opened an onsite health clinic, called Gallo-Care. e clinic is staffed by a nurse practitioner from edaCare. Organizers say it's a great feature to offer staff and families. "We believe providing an environment that supports and encourages overall improvement in lifestyle for our employees and their families benefits everyone with better physical and emotional health," says Amie Strange, human resource manager/wellness champion for Galloway. "is then leads to increased individual productivity, decreased health care costs and a Wellness Savings at Miller Electric • Over this past year, 87 percent of Miller Electric's workforce participated in the voluntary HRAs • Over the past four years, 4.8 percent of Miller Electric's workforce has moved out of the high-risk category • Lifestyle scores increased by 3 percent • Miller Electric is saving $3.50 for every dollar spent