BJ’s Taking Part in Worksite Wellness Study

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has selected Wellness Workdays, a provider of worksite wellness programs, to conduct a $1.3 million worksite wellness study with BJ's Wholesale Club. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive, strategic approach to employee wellness in a hard-to-reach target population.

"My team will utilize our expertise in population health management to determine the best strategies to promote positive outcomes for BJ's team members," said Debra Wein, CEO of Wellness Workdays. "With support from Harvard and the leadership at BJ's, we are confident we can promote changes in overall employee health and productivity and, over time, moderate rises in health care costs."

The study employs Wellness Workdays' programs, which target the risk factors of BJ's workforce. To begin with, associates were given the opportunity to participate in on-site biometric screenings and complete personal health assessments with a health professional. Team-based fitness activities and behavior change programs on various wellness topics will take place throughout the study, with a focus on education and motivation to spur participants to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. On-site registered dietitians and health coaches will work with BJ's staff employees during different phases of the program.

"Our CEO, Laura Sen, was very interested in piloting the innovative program offered by Wellness Workdays and being part of a study that will shape the way organizations implement worksite wellness initiatives," noted Christine Durkee, VP of human resources operations at Westborough, Mass.-based BJ's, which operates 208 clubs in 15 states. "Evaluating the results and impact of the program are essential, as we want to expand our wellness offerings, engage team members more broadly in wellness and target different parts of our population. The health of our team members is a top concern for us, and we want them all to enjoy a full and productive life."

Study findings will provide information on ROI that can shape the development and expansion of wellness programs to BJ's team members and across the country.