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Whole Foods: weigh less, pay less?
| February 5, 2010 | |
| Jo Wehage : Head Operations Ego |
Whole Foods has currently implemented an employee reward program designed to encourage healthy habits and reduce the $150 million in health care costs the company paid out last year. There seems to be quite an uproar over this new policy and I was curious to know what you think.
All employees receive a 20% store discount just for being an employee. This remains the same. This voluntary program creatively titled the Team Member Healthy Discount Incentive Program, was designed to reward additional discounts for better health that could increase an employees discount to a total of 30%
The scores are based on meeting a set of requirements that include body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol, and nicotine use. Those who choose to participate undergo free biometric screening and based on those results earn corresponding discount rates. A bronze score earns you a 22% discount, silver 25%, gold 27% and platinum 30%.
But a lot of people are calling foul on this one. They claim it’s discriminatory and doesn’t take into account things like genetics or efforts for better choices that may fail.
I was surprised by some of the uproar that came out of this, so give me your take. Is this an empowerment tool with a win-win for employees and business owners alike or is this a trend towards discriminating based on health and weight status?
[5 Comments] [5 Comments]
I think it is a great idea!
I think the only people who are screaming are those that have health or weight problems of their own making, but prefer to blame everyone but themselves. It’s easier to complain than change bad habits. Food manufacurers have dupped us for years adding chemical ingredients and high fructose corn syrup which made over consumption of calories and dangerous foods way too easy. We know better now. Time to take responsibility for your health. I applaud WF.
I also hear pro-union groups strike out about this because WF isn’t union. I don’t know what this has to do with a pro-union argument except they would love them to have all the bad press they can get.
Positive incentives are a good thing. BMI is a horsecrap measure of anything however, they should change that to something that is more scientifically accurate like body composition testing.
I think it is a great idea. It is optional, it sounds like, so they aren’t forcing any of their employees to take part. Those that are up for it can do it. I don’t know what can be wrong with encouraging people to become more health-minded!
If they were denying discounts to employees who didn’t meet certain health criteria it would be discrimination. Offering additional discounts to employees who try to improve their health I view as a win-win incentive.
It’s better for the employee, as (s)he is encouraged to get healthier while saving money in the process, and in addition to reducing the companies health care costs I can see it having a positive impact on the impression their employees make on customers if they appear lean and healthy as opposed to overweight or reeking of tobacco smoke.