Corporate health involves more than the bottom line

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The workplace directly influences the physical, mental, economic and social well-being of workers and, in turn, the health of their families, communities and society, according to the World Health Organization. Greenville-based ScanSource Inc., a provider of point-of-sale technology, is one of many Upstate companies realizing the importance of a healthy workplace.

“We strive to create an environment where every employ will enjoy coming to work. After all, a happy employee is a more productive team member,” said John Harvey, vice president of worldwide human resources for ScanSource. “Employees spend a lot of time at their place of work, and by providing them with ways to get in a quick workout during the day, eat healthy, and track their progress, we are doing what we can to help them stay happy, healthy and strike a good work/life balance.”

Harvey said ScanSource’s approach to providing a healthy workplace is a holistic one. The company has traditionally provided workout facilities, healthy dining choices through an on-site bistro, and events for all employees throughout the year. In the last six years, ScanSource’s wellness program has been amplified through a successful partnership with Greenville Health System, he said. An on-site wellness clinic is staffed with GHS nurse practitioners, he said.

ScanSource’s wellness program — 360you — is not just about physical health, Harvey added.

“We believe in focusing on the seven dimensions of well-being — physical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial, medical and occupational health,” he said. “Because of this, ScanSource empowers our employees through continuing education, leadership and training opportunities, and from a mental and emotional standpoint, special workouts, healthy snacks, and even visits from local animal shelters.”

ScanSource has partnered with Wellness Partners Group to provide workshops on how to reduce stress, including financial stress and family stress, “as stress does not stem only from the workplace,” he said.

“We also encourage employees to take part in volunteer opportunities through our Corporate Social Responsibility program. Employees are allowed the time during business hours to give back to the communities in which they live and work.”

Some initiatives in the Corporate Social Responsibility program include wrapping and delivering gifts and coats to underprivileged children around the holidays, planting trees during Earth Week, visiting the GHS Children’s Hospital on a quarterly basis, mentoring at local schools and delivering meals to those less fortunate, Harvey said.

“We try to provide not only a physically healthy workplace, but also a fun, inviting culture that helps retain loyal and talented team members,” he said.

GHS provides programs to support workplace health, including but not limited to, employee health screenings, wellness education, a tobacco cessation program and occupational medicine. According to the GHS website, the hospital has worked with local employees for more than eight years to address health care needs. Regional business partners, in addition to ScanSource, include Bob Jones University, the city of Easley and CeramTec North America.

Employers who create a healthy workplace, according to GHS, can:

• Reduce health care costs
• Attract and retain valued employees
• Reduce absenteeism
• Increase productivity
• Improve employee satisfaction
• Avoid and/or reduce catastrophic insurance claims

AnMed Health and Spartanburg Regional Hospital also offer occupational health and wellness and corporate health services for companies.

Harvey said many of ScanSource’s employees participate in the various wellness activities the company provides. He said a walking trail was recently added to the property, “which employees have really enjoyed.” He said it’s not unusual to see employees walking, jogging or biking around the ScanSource campus throughout the day.

“Because of the success of fitness classes in Greenville, fitness facilities have been added and/or renovated in several additional ScanSource offices outside Greenville, including Phoenix, Ariz.; Lenexa, Kan.; Southaven, Miss.; and Atlanta,” Harvey said.

ScanSource employees also participate, in high percentages, in the company’s annual biometric screenings. Employees receive incentives toward their healthcare costs for participating in biometric screenings and other programs throughout the year, such as local runs, fitness challenges, and lunch and learn activities, according to Harvey.