The Impact of Wal Mart’s Health Initiatives on Employee Benefits

The Impact of Wal Mart’s Health Initiatives on Employee Benefits

As one of the largest employers in the United States, the measures taken by Wal Mart have a considerable impact on employee benefits. For years, Wal Mart has been at the center of debates on employee benefits, particularly healthcare. As a response to these concerns, Wal Mart has implemented various health initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of its staff. This article aims to examine the different health initiatives introduced by Wal Mart and their impact on employee benefits.

Wal Mart’s Health Initiatives

In 2011, Wal Mart launched the “Road to Well” program that aimed at enhancing the well-being of its employees. The program used data collected from health risk assessments to design health and wellness plans that were tailored to meet individual needs. The company also started offering free preventive health screenings, including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, in all its stores’ pharmacies.

In 2016, Wal Mart introduced “Pathways to Health,” a program that provides employees and their families with access to telemedicine services. This program allows employees to consult medical professionals and receive healthcare advice at any time, regardless of their location. Wal Mart has also linked its telemedicine services with its Centers of Excellence program, which provides employees with access to top-quality medical practitioners for specific health issues.

Impact of Wal Mart’s Health Initiatives

Wal Mart’s health initiatives have had a positive impact on employee benefits, particularly healthcare. The “Road to Well” program has led to a significant reduction in healthcare costs, with employees reporting fewer visits to hospitals and doctors. In addition, the program has improved employee morale and engagement, leading to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.

The “Pathways to Health” program has also led to significant benefits for Wal Mart employees and their families. Access to telemedicine services has increased convenience and reduced costs for employees seeking medical attention. The program has also been credited with reducing absenteeism, as employees no longer have to take time off work to attend medical appointments.

Case Studies

The impact of Wal Mart’s health initiatives is best illustrated through case studies. In Ohio, Wal Mart introduced a program called “Live Better U,” which provides employees with the opportunity to earn college degrees. The program allowed Loredana Barham, a Wal Mart employee, to earn an associate’s degree in healthcare management. This increased her chances of promotion to management positions within the Wal Mart organization.

Another example is the case of Helen Beasley, a Wal Mart employee in Arkansas. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she used the telemedicine services provided by Wal Mart to seek treatment from top-quality medical professionals. Her experience shows the importance of Wal Mart’s telemedicine services in providing employees access to quality healthcare regardless of their location.

Conclusion

Wal Mart’s health initiatives have had a positive impact on employee benefits, specifically healthcare. “Road to Well” and “Pathways to Health” programs have led to significant reductions in healthcare costs, improved employee morale and engagement, and reduced absenteeism. Wal Mart also offers its employees access to healthcare professionals through telemedicine services and centers of excellence. Through these initiatives, Wal Mart has demonstrated an understanding of the importance of employee well-being, and the positive impact it can have on productivity and profitability.