Question

Health Costs

Your company, like many others, is experiencing double digit percentage increases in health care costs.

What suggestions can you offer Papa John's Pizza that may reduce the rate of cost increases?

Answer 1

There is no doubt that the quality of health care can be maintained and at the same time cost of health care can be controlled, if the company addresses issues such as

• Assure safe and healthful working conditions by enforcing standards. This would ensure a reduction of workplace related incidents and the consequent health care costs.
• Pre employment medical check up, so that candidates who have health issues can be screened. This will not only avoid loss of productivity and poor efficiency, but also health care costs.
• Encouraging employees to eat healthy and stay fit. Have appropriate company sponsored programs on aerobics, fitness, yoga, meditation, nutrition , smoking cessation counseling, substance abuse and so on. Disseminate information regarding healthy diet, exercise and balanced lifestyles.
• Periodical company sponsored mandatory health check ups (say once in three years), so that early warning systems are in place. This will also help the employees to change their lifestyles, if required. Emphasis on preventive health care.
• Emphasize on the proper balance of work and life, so that employees do not put in very long hours. They should also avail of mandatory vacations every year. Often workplace stress can be the cause of health issues of employees.

The above steps would reduce the rate of health care cost increases.