Retail is a labor-intensive business. Our associates are critical to our business success. We have a responsibility to create a safe and healthy work environment. And we try to go beyond this. Our programs cover our associates, their families, our customers, and our communities. In 2010, we managed to slightly reduce our accident severity rate and had more associates participating in our health and wellbeing programs. We tested a Return on Investment (ROI) model for associate health and wellbeing programs to help us focus them better. While we weren’t able to develop one global model, we are using elements from what we learned across our banners to evaluate program success. See our 2010 insight.
What are we doing about associate health and wellbeing?
Associate wellbeing programs
All of our operating companies have wellbeing programs, ranging from preventive health checks for associates and their families, to partnership programs with local health organizations. We’re seeing positive results such as healthcare costs for Delhaize America below national trends. Our operating companies use customer-facing nutritional programs with great success. Delhaize America launched a series of Guiding Stars education programs to better inform associates, whether they are based in offices, warehouses, or stores.
Key partnerships with local health organizations were successful across our companies, including:
- At Alfa Beta through campaigns and special prices in diagnostic centers
- At Mega Image and at Hannaford through workplace exercising, meetings with nutritionists and walking programs
Measuring our programs’ impact is a challenge, as explained above and in more detail in our 2010 insight. Program participation rates are one way we gauge impact. In Delhaize America, there was a 7% increase in the number of health plan members receiving preventive care compared to 2009. We don’t just focus on physical health, but mental and social health too. At Alfa Beta 160 associates have taken advantage of the presence of an on-site social worker.
Occupational Health & Safety
We track standard occupational health and safety indicators across our Group. Our Group days lost per 1 000 hours are down slightly from 2008 to 0.24 in 2010. We’re continually improving this by updating our instructions and training. Consolidating our U.S. operations has allowed us to create a common scorecard for all distribution and transportation operations.
What do our stakeholders think about it?
In the past, I never had preventive medicine on my agenda. It wasn’t even an issue for me or my family. I never knew how beneficial it was. Thanks to Alfa Beta’s health prevention campaign, it’s so easy, quick, and cheap, everyone can participate!
Voula Georgouli, Cashier at Alfa Beta Menidi