HomeMy WebLinkAbout19 Fitness Challenge1 •
TRUC EE D 11 NE
Public Utility District
WORKSHOP
To: Board of Directors
From: Kim Harris
Date: February 20, 2013
Subject: Review of District 2012 Wellness Program and 2013
Wellness/Fitness Challenge
1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD
To review the District's wellness program with the Board and discuss the activities
planned for 2013.
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The District recognizes the importance of having healthy employees and promoting
wellness. NRECA, the District's health insurance provider, discounts our annual
medical premium by 6% ($96,000) for providing a wellness program to employees.
The intent is for employers to use the discounted dollars to pay for cost of the wellness
program. NRECA provides many program ideas, administrator training and access to
wellness experts to help with planning the annual program.
To receive the discount, NRECA requires employers to provide annual health
screenings to employees and their spouses. The screenings must include tests for
blood pressure, body mass index, and blood tests for sugar and lipids. Also required is
a signed waiver to participate in the wellness program and 80% participation of active
employees to complete an online personal health survey. This required portion of the
program earns 2% of the total 6% discount.
The remaining 4% discount is earned by the employer choosing from various wellness
activities, which may include awareness, education and prevention seminars and
fitness challenges. NRECA publishes an annual book on the program requirements
and offers ideas on choosing activities.
In 2012, the Wellness Committee planned a three-month fitness/wellness challenge
that was offered to all employees, directors and their spouses. The challenge included
earning points and rewards for incorporating nutrition, exercise, weight -loss and other
steps aimed at improving overall health. Individual participants were rewarded with gift
cards, the value being determined by the number of points earned. This was the third
year that a challenge was offered, and the event was well -received by all of the
participants.
3. NEW INFORMATION
The health screenings that are a requirement of the program will be held later this
month.
Due to the popularity of the Fitness Challenge, the Wellness Committee has decided
to offer a fitness/wellness challenge again in 2013.
The fitness/wellness challenge is designed to energize and engage employees and
their spouses to improve their health behaviors and achieve personal goals. Employee
involvement is optional, but all employees, Board members and their spouses are
encouraged to participate.
Additional wellness activities include stretching classes and our on -site fitness center
with various exercise machines.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
The exact cost of the fitness challenge depends upon the level of employee
involvement, but is estimated at $26,000. Sufficient funds are included in the FY13
budget for the Wellness Program.
5. RECOMMENDATION
Review this report and provide comments.
Kim Harris
Human Resource Manager
Michael D. Holley
General Manager