Wellness Program Inspires Good Employee Health

Part of the management’s 10-year vision for the company included earning a reputation as the best employer in Northwest Arkansas. Not everyone at DaySpring Cards is Christian, but many of the employees bring their faith to work.

“We don’t make any apologies for who we are,” Couey said. “That’s why we’re unique. But we’re still a business.”

Couey said the managers’ commercial decisions reflect their faith.

“At DaySpring, people really matter. Our core values say that people are God’s creations,” Couey said. “They deserve to be treated properly.

“I’m the human resources guy, and I don’t have to go down and tell my president that our people need to be treated well. He already knows that.”

Couey said DaySpring’s wellness program is an outcome of the firm’s values.

In January, DaySpring began companywide physicals that included an analysis of each employee’s blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and general lifestyle. Body-fat ratios were measured and each person’s commitment to wearing seat belts was questioned.

Rhonda Hill, the management information system officer for Kersh Wellness Management in Russellville, said each employee’s medical information remained confidential, but DaySpring management received an overview of the staff’s general health.

After the first test, Kersh Wellness Management distributed a 19-25 page booklet to each employee. The handout detailed the employee’s test results and defined each person’s risk for health problems.

Backed with a $50-$250 incentive, the tests encouraged employees to improve their scores within six months. In October, the company will administer the same analysis again.

Couey said the wellness program helps to prevent illness, which is good for the company’s insurance package, and it lets employees know that the company cares about what happens to them.

“Our employees want to be here,” Couey said. “If you want a great company, you’ve got to have great people. I believe that’s the key to business.”