Third consecutive award for Michelin North America health scheme

For the third year in a row, The National Business Group on Health, a US non-profit organisation devoted to representing the perspective of large employers on national health policy issues, has honoured Michelin North America as one of the best employers for healthy lifestyles. The tyre maker is one of 48 national employers to receive the 2011 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award and one of only 20 to receive the group’s Platinum Award; this is the second year Michelin has received this highest award.

The award was given for Michelin North America’s ‘Choose Well–Live Well’ programme, a long-term strategy intended to shift the focus of primary health care from treatment of illness to wellness, prevention and quality of care. “Creating a culture that encourages employees to lead healthy lives is the right thing to do for our people,” comments Martin Storey, director of benefits for Michelin North America. “Keeping employees as healthy and productive as they can be over their careers will reduce long-term health risks, improve quality of life, increase productivity and eventually lower costs.”

Since the launch of Choose Well–Live Well program three years ago, Michelin has seen a 30 per cent reduction in employees classified as high health risk and a 44 per cent increase in employee participation in physical activity programmes. At the end of last year, Michelin opened its first Family Health Center in North America. Located at the Michelin North America headquarters, the centre is open to employees, retirees and their families. Groundbreaking has also been held on a second centre.