Hartford Business Journal

24 Hartford Business Journal • September 21, 2020 • www.HartfordBusiness.com CONNECTICUT'S HEALTHIEST EMPLOYERS 2020 1 st PLACE | CATEGORY: 100 TO 2,500 EMPLOYEES Wellness programs racking up company's healthcare savings Brightview Senior Living CT Locations: Shelton, Norwalk Industry: Senior independent/ assisted living Top Executive: CEO Marilynn Duker B rightview Senior Living, which has housing facili- ties across the Northeast, including in Shelton and Norwalk, says it saved $12 million in health- care costs over the last five years because of its slate of employee wellness programs that encourage exercise and healthy eating. "We focus on preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and teaching folks how to be wise con- sumers of health care," said Senior Vice President Andrea Griesmar. "Our philosophy is clear, unwaver- ing, and transparent." The senior living provider offers workers a so-called Healthy Living Reward up to $200 a year for exercise and weight management programs, and provides nutrition and lifestyle coaching, unlimited financial coach- ing, meditation classes and grief counseling, among other services that promote overall well-being. As some workers began to work remotely during the COVID-19 pan- demic, the company doubled down on its wellness approach, creating a weekly well-being newsletter for staff to participate in games and contests, and virtual guided meditation. De- spite COVID-19-related challenges, it also held a charity walk this year that raised more than $100,000 for those suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). 2 nd PLACE | CATEGORY: 100 TO 2,500 EMPLOYEES Screenings help Harman meet well-being goals Harman International Industries Inc. Headquarters: Stamford Industry: Technology/IT Top Executive: President and CEO Michael Mauser A s a maker and designer of connected cars technology, Harman International In- dustries covets the collection and application of data. So, the Stamford-based company this year continued to beef up its Sound Living Program, which of- fers benefit-eligible employees and their covered spouses opportuni- ties to access biometric screenings both on- and off-site. The program works to encour- age employees and their families to know and understand health evalu- ation data as they look to incorpo- rate more healthy eating behaviors and reduce health risks. In 2020, Harman, which develops software and components for con- nected cars, added opportunities for employees and their spouses to earn incentives by joining a gym, taking a fitness class or running a road race in an effort to focus on mental, physical and social well-being. A newly implemented policy also provides up to eight hours of paid time off a year toward volunteer activities and allows members to receive incentives. "We take our leadership responsibil- ities seriously and will always ensure that we are operating in a safe and healthy way … ," said Chief Human Resources Officer John Stacey. 3 rd PLACE | CATEGORY: 100 TO 2,500 EMPLOYEES Ocean State Job Lot focuses on health plan education Ocean State Job Lot CT locations: Bristol, Southington, Meriden, Berlin, etc. Industry: Retail Top Executive: Co-Founder, CEO Marc Perlman O cean State Job Lot this year began partnering with a national health concierge vendor it says is helping to inform employees about their healthcare plans. The discount retailer says associ- ates now rely on Accolade, which has built an engagement model in the healthcare advocacy indus- try, for recommendations, billing questions and to clarify whether a procedure will be covered, or if a provider is in- network. The Rhode Island-based company also started splitting its healthcare and pharmacy plans to react more quickly to increased costs. That process, in addition to the new health concierge model and expanded educational opportunities for workers, has helped the company reduce insurance claims by $250,000 over the last plan year, officials say. During the pandemic, Ocean State, which has 28 stores in Connecticut, also doubled down on its learning op- portunities by creating "Well-Being Wednesdays." Those weekly virtual learning sessions cover numerous topics, including "How to hunker down during the pandemic," "How to sleep better," and "Staying active at home," among others. Buds in Bloom • The Crown Market • J. Fiereck Photography • LAZ Parking • River Bend Books www.jewishhartford.org PLATINUM GOLD MEDIA PARTNERS IN-KIND SILVER Arlene M. Lipton Memorial Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford BlumShapiro • CohnReznick • Ford & Paulekas, LLP • Hoffman Auto Group Reid and Riege • United Bank • Webster Bank BRONZE Cats Limited Veterinary Hospital • Marcus Insurance Agency Professional Business Insurers • Santander Bank OUR 2020 BUSINESS PARTNERS JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER HARTFORD THANKS

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