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Issue November 9, 2009 |
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ARMONK, N.Y.—In conjunction with its new primary care reimbursement policy, IBM Corp. has introduced a wellness incentive to encourage employees to make lifestyle changes that improve energy, health and vitality through all aspects of physical, emotional and mental well-being.
The Armonk, N.Y.-based company, which introduced its “healthy living rebates” in 2004, is using the new rebate as one of five $150 cash incentives available to all full-time IBM employees in the United States.
“We've had programs focused on smoking cessation, physical activity, nutrition and family health with an emphasis on nutrition and activity to address the epidemic of childhood obesity,” said Marianne Defazio, IBM's director of health benefits design and strategy.
“For 2010, we're introducing the "personal vitality rebate,' which will encourage employees to think about good health and well-being in broader, holistic terms,” she said.
Among other things, the program includes an online learning program to “help employees connect with the concept. They'll do an assessment and create their own profile. Then there will be small steps employees can take to help them optimize (their health and well-being)....Then there's a reassessment after 12 weeks to see how they're doing,” Ms. Defazio said.
Employees who complete the vitality program and show signs of improvement are eligible to receive $150 in cash. Employees can earn up to $300 in cash incentives each year by completing two or more of the five programs.
