BGA is the Island’s largest drug wholesaler. It employs 105 people, most are blue collar workers filling orders, making deliveries and packing the warehouse.Jennifer Kearns, the company’s director of human resources implemented the Argus Wellness Plan for employees last January. Although it’s only been in operation for year she said benefits have already been seen.

“The largest change has been an increase in awareness of health and wellness related issues and a camaraderie between employees to assist each other to meet their wellness goals,” she said.

“It also has helped them to identify potential health concerns or factors in their life that could cause health issues in the future and how to address those problems.”

She admitted the company does not have a clear idea of the number of staff the programme has helped. “But we know that the interest in the wellness programme, particularly the monthly wellness challenges and company wellness activities, has been helpful to and enjoyed by many staff members,” she said.

“Some employees really enjoy the programme, look forward to the challenges and activities, actively participate in giving feedback about the programme and think the programme is a benefit. However, there are some staff who are not as involved in the programme, and our wellness committee works to encourage those staff to join in.”

The main concern of most who do not participate is confidentiality of their personal health information.

“The questionnaire is completely confidential and the company only receives group statistics back from the programme if more than 50 people participate.

“However, we believe concern with confidentiality inhibits participation. Unfortunately, those who do not participate miss an opportunity to learn from the resulting confidential and individualised report about their personal health risk factors and wellness,” said Ms Kearns. For participants, the programme is seen as purely positive.

“One strength is that it is not a forced programme and everyone can make a personal choice to participate as little or as much as they’d like. Another strength is that it provides timely and useful health and wellness information and support to staff members throughout the year,” she said.

Asked for pitfalls and/or how the programme could be improved, Ms Kearns said: “With only one year of the programme behind us, we have many exciting ideas for change within our own wellness committee to try to increase participation and commitment to the programme. However, the only programme-wide improvement would be to have more group wellness events offered throughout the year to include the various participating companies, so that the programme is not only seen as a company initiative but as a largely supported initiative across various industries and groups.

“It would also give employees a variety of activities to become involved in outside the company’s own activities and allow them to meet new people and receive further support in their wellness goals.”