Proposed+DRAFT+Healthcare+Com+12-11-10

Group Materials - Healthcare discussion.

this is a STRAWMAN proposal for a document from top management introducing this change. I made a number of assumptions regarding the management style of this company, etc. THIS IS ONLY THE INVITATION TO THE CONVERSATION about health care - this sets the stage for a whole program to be implemented behind it. I my company, this would be followed with a year's worth of programming, newsletters, group meetings, etc. In no way would I believe that ONE communication of any sort would have any real benefit on employee understanding of the problem or behavior change.

In company memo format (any suggestions?) from company CEO to all employees.
 * All employees will be given a series of staff meeting dates so that a question and answer period can help them understand the changes better.

Subject line: [company name] has a new challenge to overcome together (or simiiar)




 * We have a new challenge…**

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this memorandum in full and for your honest consideration of the information it includes. It has always been my belief that consideration of the issues by the [company name] family has always resulted in valuable feedback which has contributed significantly to the growth of our company.

The [company name] family has a challenge that we must work together to overcome. Much like the plant fire in 1992 and the river flooding in 2003, there are forces at work that threaten the ability of our company to continue to profitably manufacture products in Pleasantville. Those forces that challenge our family as a business today, present a very real threat to the lives of many members of the [company name] family.

The challenge we face is the American obesity epidemic and it’s impact on the health, happiness and financial stability of the members of the [company name] family.


 * How we are affected**

Each year, [company name] reviews the (aggregated claims data – anyone have simpler language or an reasonable explanation) for our health insurance. This process helps our insurance carrier calculate the premium we must pay for our health insurance. We (name upper management) also review this information to some understanding of the health of the [company name] family.

The review this year provided us with (choose the word: sobering, frightening, distressing…) information. According to the health claims submitted by the professionals who provide care for the [company name] family, we, as a family, are being treated for heart disease, diabetes, exercise trauma at a rate much greater than the average American. There is a great deal of scientific research available today that shows that these conditions are often related to American lifestyle choices and obesity. We asked the insurance provider to determine if our company differs from other similar businesses; they reported to us that our employees are more obese (better language) than most other companies.

When the insurance company reviewed the same information, they drew the same conclusions and presented us with problem. Heart disease, diabetes, metabolic disorder, etc. are considered chronic conditions. This means that once they develop, they do not go away. And, in many cases, these chronic conditions need medical intervention in the form of frequent office visits, multiple medications and in some cases trips to the emergency room. This increases the cost of health insurance.

This year, for the first time since the inception of this company, we faced a difficult decision regarding the health benefits for our family. We either absorbed a significant price increase (premium adjustment) which may have required employee lay-offs or we reduced benefits.


 * What we have decided to do**…

In order to weather this storm and to hopefully turn this challenge into a life-saving opportunity for every member of the [company name] family, we’ve made the following decisions:

1. Health care benefits will be reduced to the entire company, in order to continue to provide benefits for the entire company.

//Robust health care benefits will still be provided, however some of the benefits that were included in last year’s package will no longer be available as company-paid.//

This week your team leaders will set down with you together and individually to review the benefits changes, answer any questions you might have and listen to any suggestions you might have regarding the challenge we all face.

2. Changes in how [company name] policy may effect the overall health of the [company name] family: a. Starting on Monday, DATE, the options available in the company vending machines will change to more healthy selections. b. Starting ……, DATE,

the company will offer all employees free-lunch Fridays. The meals to be provided will include healthy selections.

During the lunch hour, expert speakers will be provided to discuss various topics associated with improving lifestyle, managing chronic disease, vacation planning, financial planning, stress management etc.

c. Beginning ……., DATE, [NAME] will begin arranging walking groups during the lunch hour. Specific details about leadership of these groups, the topic for discussion while walking, etc. is attached to this message.

3. Effective DATE, changes will be made to the availability of free [company name] products for employees. Healthcare data indicates that snack foods, such as the products we create, may contribute to the obesity epidemic. As a company, we have been trying to transition our products into healthier offerings. Going forward, the new policy is ……. Much as you might try to modify the diet of someone that you care for, through this decision, we are trying to do the same for the [company name] family.


 * Let’s work together…**

It’s YOUR health and the health of you family that is being impacted by the effects of obesity. We, as a company family, are concerned. We have worked together toward a common goal with many of you for decades. We are trying to do what is best here long-term for everyone. We are trying to preserve jobs, but importantly, our decisions have been made on the basis of what we believe is **BEST FOR YOU**.

Next week, in the meetings with your team leaders, please provide them with your attention while they outline the changes. Please be frank and honest with your questions; we can not answer them unless you ask them.

I, and the entire executive staff, will be personally available for discussions with you of questions or concerns about these changes. If you would like the opportunity to speak directly with me, please contact NAME (ext.) to arrange an appointment.

CLOSING?

Nice job with all the work in this wiki-this is only our second attempt using it and already you all have done a great deal more than the previous group. This is part of participation-so if you have been a part of this process you are doing an excellent job with partiicpation for this course. I will comment on participation to date in the evaluation for the first written assignment being graded this week! Thanks, Tina