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Honoring companies who demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness innovation. Count Us In. HANCOCK LUMBER: Recipient of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care's "Health Innovator Award" H aving a conscious mission to be an employee- centric company is the number one priority of Hancock Lumber owner Kevin Hancock. Because of their commitment to creating a healthy work environment for their employees, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care recognizes Hancock Lumber with the 2019 Health Innovator Award. "Kevin Hancock and the Hancock Lumber leadership team are very deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of their employees and their families. The day-in, day-out dedication they demonstrate by putting the health care needs of their employees first is remarkable. We at Harvard Pilgrim are proud of our longstanding partnership with such an impressive organization," said Ed Kane, Vice President, Maine at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Founded in 1848, Hancock Lumber is headquartered in Casco. Over the last 170 years, the company has grown to ten retail locations, three eastern white pine sawmills, a truss manufacturing facility, and an employee workforce of more than 530 individuals. The sixth-generation family owned business operates a land company, a sawmill division, a network of retail lumberyards, kitchen design showrooms, and a truss manufacturing facility. "We've really tried to reverse the model," explains Hancock. "We've created a structure where the company exists to serve the people who work here, and it creates passion and happiness for our employees." Prioritizing the health, safety and wellness of their employees has been a part of Hancock Lumber's mission from day one. Instead of viewing healthcare as a required mandate, Hancock Lumber has made a commitment to understanding the unique needs of their team and how best to help them access the available benefits to the fullest. "Being big doesn't interest me," says Hancock. "Being good interests me. We want to be good at everything that matters to our people and we want to be innovative at what matters." For Hancock Lumber, wellness includes educating their employees about weight loss, smoking cessation, exercise and diet, which also includes a fitness reimbursement program through Harvard Pilgrim. Hancock Lumber recognizes that creating a community where people feel valued and empowered has a huge impact on the overall health of their employees. "There is a huge difference in wellness as to whether work is something you feel serves you and helps you grow as a person, or if it's someplace where you're just looking at the clock," explains Hancock. Company culture at Hancock has encouraged employees to talk about healthier choices and make appropriate work/life balance choices to create an environment of respect throughout all levels of the organization. Hancock Lumber's 11-year partnership with Harvard Pilgrim has been integral in providing valuable healthcare plans to their employees and families. "We have worked with many providers over the years, and Harvard Pilgrim has been the most innovative and willing to understand our community and our people," says Hancock Lumber Vice President of Human Resources Wendy Scribner. Harvard Pilgrim has been proactive in helping their employees learn about healthier lifestyle choices and preventative care options. They have provided educational materials, data, and communication tools to help Hancock employees utilize care in a more economical way for their families. Scribner goes on to explain, "Harvard Pilgrim is also very employee- centric in the way they approach their business. They truly want the best healthcare and choices for our employees." Hancock Lumber works with Harvard Pilgrim to offer employee annual screenings of cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure at their facilities. In addition, Harvard Pilgrim has provided the company with materials to conduct lunch-and-learns on topics ranging from mindfulness to ergonomics. "It is easy in the healthcare industry to be negative or pessimistic, but Harvard Pilgrim Health Care believes in what they're doing and they believe that it is possible for a healthcare company, an employer, and the employees to combine to make things different," states Hancock. Hancock Lumber recognizes that their employees are the heart of their organization. By creating a culture where everyone on the team feels valued and respected, the company has developed a workforce that is proud of what they do. Kevin Hancock explains that creating this culture has been a passion, "If you do right by your people, they will figure out how to create a best-in-class experience for the customer." "We've created a structure where the company exists to serve the people who work here, and it creates passion and happiness for our employees." Kevin Hancock, CEO, Hancock Lumber Kevin Hancock, CEO of Hancock Lumber, left, and Ed Kane, Vice President, Maine at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, in Hancock Lumber's Casco sawmill location in Casco.

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