Working together for a healthier community

In this time of ever-rising health care costs, several of us, as representatives of like-minded employers, have decided to get off the sidelines and “get into the game” of pursuing creative solutions for this ongoing problem. The Employer Wellness Advisory Committee of the Coeur d'Alene area has come together to drive toward the goal of improving the health and well-being of the place we call home.

To give you a sense of the magnitude of this challenge for employers, consider that from 2005 to 2015, U.S. companies have seen their average annual medical premium costs for family coverage increase 61 percent. From an employee-contribution perspective, average annual medical premium contributions for family coverage over the same 10-year period rose a whopping 83 percent (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2015).

We think it's fair to say that the pace of these rising costs is unsustainable both for our local business community and our employees. For the health of our community, both physically and economically, we collectively need to do something to slow the pace of these health care cost increases.

The Employee Wellness Advisory Committee firmly believes that best way to mitigate rising health care costs is to improve the health of our employees and their families and, ultimately, the entire community. Our innovative group of employers is working together to share ideas and concepts to improve the health of employees through wellness programs and embracing a culture of health at our workplaces.

Not only do we think it's the right thing to do for our employees and their families, it's also sound business. In a recent review of the literature on costs and savings associated with wellness programs, it has been reported that medical costs fall by about $3.27 for every dollar spent on wellness programs and that absenteeism costs fall by about $2.73 for every dollar spent (Health Affairs, 2010). Additionally, three recent studies demonstrate that publicly traded companies with best-in-class workplace wellness programs have better stock valuations than the Standard and Poor's stock index over the last 15 years (JOEM, 2016). The potential for workplace wellness programs to improve health and reduce costs continues to hold great appeal for employers.

If you'd like to join in the effort begun by our advisory group and get recognition for efforts at your workplace to improve the health of your employees and your company's bottom line, we invite you to participate in our Well-Being in the Workplace Survey. The goal of the survey is to identify and share best practices from those local employers who are making a difference in supporting healthy lifestyles among their workforces. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and top-performers will be publicly recognized for their leadership in the Coeur d'Alene Press, The Spokesman-Review North Idaho edition and Bonner County Daily Bee (Sandpoint). All respondents will receive a summary report of survey results. You can access the survey by going to http://well-beingintheworkplace.questionpro.com/

So get in the game with us to promote a culture of health in North Idaho that leads the state. Complete the Well-Being in the Workplace Survey and help raise awareness of and appreciation for the many successful health- and productivity-boosting efforts in our local business community.

Beti Becker,

Idaho Forest Group

Teresa Benner,

City of Post Falls

Michael Cochran,

Director of Wellness, Regence Health

Insurance Services

Chris Gregg,

Northwest Specialty Hospital

Scott Kreiling,

President, Regence BlueShield of Idaho

Lesly Ward,

Hagadone Corporation

Andrea Woempner,

North Idaho College