For Tufts’ wellness, continuous improvement

A Healthy Thought:
“Patience and creativity absolutely grow a program.”
Lydia Greene
Vice president of human resources and diversity
A Healthy Thought: “Patience and creativity absolutely grow a program.” Lydia Greene Vice president of human resources and diversity

Employee health initiatives at Tufts Health Plan – through the company’s WorkingWell program – were not so much a one-time, all-out effort, but more a gradual and evolving culture of wellness over the years. “These things take time,” said Lydia Greene, vice president of human resources and diversity. “Patience and creativity absolutely grow a program.”
As for Massachusetts-based Tufts, with 2,000 global employees, the patience and creativity are paying off. Beginning with a small, on-site gym eight years ago, and working with an outside vendor, Greene said employee interest has driven its other offerings, which include the Tufts’ version of The Biggest Loser contest; treadmill work stations; a 630-member, full gym that’s open seven days a week; an on-site clinic with a full-time nurse practitioner; an evening golf league; and a gardening area on the property. Efforts are reviewed on a monthly basis.
The gardening activity, Greene said, is a great example of Tufts’ employee wellness goal: engaging those who weren’t actively engaged in previous wellness efforts. “We want to bring in whole new groups of people that weren’t involved in other initiatives,” she said.
Benefits to the company? Greene said they are often reasons that “aren’t documentable. It helps with overall productivity. All studies show that keeping active – even pulling weeds – means employees are much more active when they get back to their desk … much more engaged.”
Even Tufts’ flagship health event – the annual Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women – has evolved from a business event for clients and brokers to more of an employee-based event.

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