DaimlerChrysler/UAW National Wellness Program (2000)

Description

DaimlerChrysler Corporation is an international automotive and transportation company with over 95,000 employees throughout the United States. The DaimlerChrysler/UAW National Wellness Program, which began in 1985, is a negotiated benefit between DaimlerChrysler Corporation and the In-ternational Union, UAW. Several national health and fitness service providers are contracted to deliver the Wellness Program to active employees. All U.S. sites with 500 or more employees have on-site contracted health and fitness business partners (over 100 FTEs) to administer the Program. The DaimlerChrysler Human Resources Department provides operating funds for the Program and with the UAW, provides administrative oversight. The Program provides high quality, cost-effective wellness activities that empower employees to improve their health and become wise health care consumers while containing health care costs. Specific Program objectives for 2000 include:

• Screen 37% of population to assess risks and interests
• Increase percent of employees who have fewer than 3 health risks
• Increase participation in the NextSteps^TM Program (phone-based lifestyle intervention targeted to high-risk individuals) by 1% at each site
• Decrease percentage of smokers by 6%

Employees voluntarily participate. Targeted education programs, based on identified health risks and interests, provide an opportunity for individual health improvements. Interventions tailored to individual sites customize the program for each population while maintaining the objectives and quality standards required of all sites.

Focused education programs support employees throughout the process of lifestyle change. The stages of change model is used for tailoring programs such as smoking cessation, weight management, cholesterol management and fitness activities. Program formats may include one-time workshops, multi-session classes, individual counseling, or self-directed modules. Maintenance strategies include ongoing awareness, interactive campaigns, group support, incentive opportunities, follow-up and cultural support with on-site services (e.g., fitness facilities, cafeteria/vending programs, and walking routes).

Health plans that administer DaimlerChrysler Health Care Benefits are the primary managers of chronic disease conditions. The focused intervention model, NextSteps^TM, a personalized case management program administered via telephone risk counseling, supplements these efforts. Employees are further educated on self-management through publications on available hospital services and worksite self-care education.

The Program prides itself in achieving high standards in health promotion. Awards include:

• Well Workplace Gold Awards (WELCOA, 23 in 1998, 8 in 1999)
• Governor's Council on Physical Fitness (Gold Award, 1997)
• Healthiest Corporate Cafeteria (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 1997)