“We believe [members] will see immediate benefits in employees’ health and attitudes, contributing to a better bottom line. And that’s good for business.” The MCC’s involvement with Wellness Works dates back to 2012, when its President’s Advisory Committee on Health Care in Manitoba highlighted the need for healthier living standards in a report entitled, “Shaping Manitoba’s Future: Our Health Care.” The report drew a direct link between overall wellness and economic sustainability, noting roughly 40% of provincial budgets in Canada are allocated to health-care costs, and predicting an increased burden on resources as the population continues to age. Armed with its recommendations, the province — in partnership with the MCC and the local health-care community — laid the foundation for Wellness Works as it now exists. Since its launch, the program has drawn pledges from more than 50 MCC members, among them National Leasing, a company that for years has been recognized as a leader in providing a positive workplace climate. “[We’ve] always looked to provide an environment whereby employees can be the best they can possibly be, be it through an in-house gym, wellness benefits, or opportunity for community and charitable involvement,” says Grant Shaw, vice-president, Corporate Development, Strategy & Culture at National Leasing. “Some of the benefits are obvious, such as a better work-life balance for employees, which hopefully results in a better home life and translates to healthier families.” Shaw says employers will also see direct benefits, citing reduced
turnover rates, a more productive workforce, and fewer instances of chronic or fatal illness. “A bigger impact would be supporting the overall effort to help people live healthier lives, which could ultimately impact health- care-related costs and services.” For the program to work effectively, employers have to buy in from the start, says Davidson, noting it’s imperative for them to be understanding and encouraging of those looking to make positive changes in their lives. For its part, the MCC has already taken steps to raise the bar — from simpler measures like adding healthier menu options to breakfast meetings, to earmarking financial support for employees who opt to join gyms or health clubs. And though National Leasing has only been involved with Wellness Works for under a year, employees have plenty of experience with similar best practices that have been in place for far longer. (They’re clearly working: for the last seven years, the company has ranked as one of Canada’s Best Small and Medium Employers in Aon Hewitt’s nation-wide research study.) Shaw says the designation is so valuable because the study’s survey results measure employee engagement rates, providing insight into the effectiveness of strategies that often overlap with those in the Wellness Works wheelhouse. “It’s empowering your employees — giving them the resources to take charge of creating a healthy workplace for themselves,” Shaw says. “An environment they want to come to and experience wellness in, every day.” ■
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Dr. Chau Pham Emergency Room Physician Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient Asper MBA ‘13
17 MBiz | November 2014
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