Employees: 450
Jackson Kelly, West Virginia’s largest law firm, developed a company wellness initiative after the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) posted grim statistics for West Virginia. The mortality rates in the state for both diabetes and heart disease were above the national average. These medical conditions, which are commonly related to obesity, encouraged Jackson Kelly’s management to make immediate changes.
In order to assess the needs of their own employees, Jackson Kelly hired health care professionals to come into their office and perform health risk assessments for each employee, including a multiphasic blood screening. After the assessments were completed, Jackson Kelly had a better understanding of the health status of its employees and developed a wellness program to address their needs and interests.
The law firm began encouraging lawyers, staff members and their families to take part in the “100 miles in 100 days” challenge. The program encourages employees to accumulate 100 miles by walking, jogging, rollerblading, or stair climbing in 100 days. One hundred and fifty Jackson Kelly employees were active in the program, which is designed to help employees with fitness management. The employees track their progress with free pedometers, provided by Jackson Kelly , and record their mileage in personal logs. The “100 miles in 100 days” challenge motivates employees to keep active, even while having a busy work schedule.
The wellness program is fully supported by Jackson Kelly, but local physicians and hospitals regularly donate their time and services to help with the education program. By keeping the local doctors involved in its wellness program, Jackson Kelly provides the physicians and staff an opportunity to develop a long-term relationship with each other.
Other wellness programs at Jackson Kelly include Weight Watchers, health fairs and health screenings. The firm also offers classes in yoga, Pilates and stress and weight management. Local physicians and trainers come in to teach these classes, during the work day lunch hour. Last year, nearly 98 percent of the employees participated in the wellness initiative. The firm keeps employees informed of the available health services through weekly emails and a monthly wellness newsletter.
Jackson Kelly spends about $20,000 a year in health screenings for their employees, but considers the cost worthwhile — if an employee has a heart attack, it costs the company between $50,000 and $80,000 in medical costs, co-payments, and lost work.
Results
In 2005, health insurance premiums decreased by 21 percent — a striking reversal from the company’s 35 percent premium increase in 2001. Absenteeism is down by 27 percent, and according to the firm, morale is higher. The firm waived employees’ premiums for several months in 2004 as a reward and incentive for employee participation. Now most employees actively take part in the “100 miles in 100 days” challenge or other wellness programs, even some who never before engaged in a fitness regimen.
Strengths
Innovative Ideas
Lessons Learned
Contact Information
Administrative Manager
Jackson Kelly Law Firm
304-284-4108
