CNO Financial Group, Inc., (CNO) was named among the top 25 healthiest companies in the nation in a recent poll. What is this business doing that could benefit your employees and your bottom line? Find out here.
CNO was a winner of the 2014 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America named by Healthiest Employers, a health analytics company. CNO CEO Ed Bonach explained, “We win or lose with our people. Investing in our people—and in the programs that improve their health—is not only the right thing to do, but also critical to our company’s long-term success.”
The Indianapolis-based financial services company has developed For Your Health!, a diverse wellness program to equip, engage, and empower associates and their families with resources, programs, and incentives. A supportive culture helps promote wellness throughout the organization. More than 80 health champions at all levels play a role, planning events, promoting health activities, and encouraging their peers.
At three of the largest locations, on-site health clinics serve associates, spouses, and older children. The focus is on low-cost preventive, primary, urgent care, and health coaching services. In 2013, more than 85 percent of associates used the clinics.
Healthy behaviors are rewarded. CNO offers cash incentives, time off, drawings, and prizes for successful completion of wellness challenges. All these, say program leaders, help drive participation.
5 innovative ideas for wellness
CNO offers these and other innovative strategies for improving employee health and engagement.
- Walking workstations. Associates at the three largest sites sign up for 30- or 60-minute walking sessions at the stations, where they have access to computers and phones. The idea is to remain productive while adding activity to the workday.
- Yoga. CNO employees can participate in free, weekly on-site yoga sessions for those at the beginner and advanced levels.
- Organic food delivery. The employer partners with local businesses that deliver organic food to employees weekly at work or at home.
- Tracking progress. Associates have several ways to track and log physical activity, including a USB-based pedometer and manual tracking options.
- Stretching. In high-paced production environments, employees can take advantage of scheduled daily breaks to participate in group stretching activities using resistance bands.
Wellness is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and culture. CNO leaders believe that healthier employees are happier and more productive, thus better able to serve customers and investors.