HealthAhead: Innovative approach to protect Human Capital

GE is an advanced technology, services and finance company that operates globally in more than 100 countries and employ about 300, 000 people. It has recognized the invaluable contribution of its employees – the human capital – towards its continuous growth world-wide. Hence, to protect and maintain the health of all employees, regardless of where they work has become an essential function and accountability for all managers. It has also recognized that the most effective way to implement this strategy is through the inculcation of a culture of health that that is embraced within the Company as well as in the families of the employees. HealthAhead is a long-term program to influence and persuade all employees to adopt a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families. It is a structured program that has been communicated to all employees and implemented globally. Managers are held accountable for the success of this program in their respective sites. This program has been imbued with stimulating challenges for employees and their families to participate in and rewards and recognition for achievements are regularly awarded. Appropriate budget – both human resources and financial – are allocated to ensure the success of the program. The health-related issues that are addressed in this program include smoking cessation; healthy eating; weight management; adopting a more active lifestyle as well as stress management. It is hoped that this investment of time, money and human resources for the health of the employees will provide significant reduction on health care costs, improve productivity further and boost morale of employees in time to come. There is no doubt that health promotion programs such as HealthAhead is the way to protect and maintain the health of employees and their families.