FUN TO BE FIT!!

ASSIGNMENT 1 WAC
MEMO OF JOSEPH MIROLA
REFERENCE: CASE STUDY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN MUTUAL: PROMOTING
FITNESS OR FUN?
SUBMITTED BY:
PADMAVATHI SHENOY
ROLL NO: 1402007
1 YEAR FPM STUDENT
IIM, TIRUCHIRAPALLI







Date: 10/07/2014
To: Zachary Evans, Vice President - Operations
From: Joseph Mirola, Claims Manager
Subject: To express opinion related to retaining the Fitness center
This is with regards to the need for retaining fitness center
Why fitness is not just fun?: A recent Survey conducted by Financial Services
Union, in cooperation with the Danish Centre for Alternative Social Analysis on
investigation of the working life and psychosocial work environment has revealed
some shocking truths about occupational hazards of insurance industry. One among
three employees of insurance industry, experience occupational stress which lead to
anxiety, tension, insomnia and cardio vascular diseases (Holm, 2006). Absenteeism
from work, up to 50% rise in health medical expenditures (Exhibit: fig.2) are some of
the immediate effects seen due to a life style with lack of physical activity. (Azagba,
2011). Physical Inactivity is the 4
th
leading cause of chronic heart diseases which
may lead to death. (Exhibit: Fig.3)
Facts about Fitness: Rocky Mountain Mutual is located far from city and our
employees spend significant time in travelling, which adds to the stress and fatigue.
It was a good initiative from the Management to establish state of the art fitness
centre to cater to the needs of physical exercise and thereby increase their
productivity. In fact, exercise in any form acts as stress reliever and reduces
absenteeism, reduces health expenditures and strengthens productivity (Exhibit1:
Fig 4)The employee survey which we have conducted at our organisation has
boosted this fact. (Reference: Report on Absenteeism and Medical costs, Company
records on healthcare costs and absenteeism, Rocky Mountain Mutual)
Currently, we can proudly say that we are among the 68% of companies in USA who
are offering wellness programs and hence attracting young and talented employees.
Administration costs of these programs were cut down using latest technological
advancements. Closure of the our fitness center, for a reason, that only 35% of our
employees are using it, may save the maintenance costs, but may result in bigger
damages. As retention and attraction of talents is a bigger challenge in insurance
industry, closing our fitness center will attract employee resentment and will affect
our new hire rates.
Alternatives: Rather than directly closing the fitness center and causing the loss of
$1,300,000 we can look at cheaper alternative of promoting wellness programs.
According to Workforce Management Magazine, the wellness programs backed by
CEO and top leaders are seen to be more effective. This not only results in better
utilization of facility, but also increases employee motivational levels & productivity.
Health and wellness of a person not only affects work, but improves his family life.
Hence, involving the family members of the employees to share their views in a
reward based survey, about fitness, may persuade the employees to use the facility.
During working hours, when employees are busy at office, Family members of
employee can use the fitness center at nominal cost and hence will add up to the
revenue generation model. Such familial concepts will uplift employees work spirit.
I agree that, the current picture of utilisation of fitness center is pessimistic. However,
we are not sure, whether it is because it is perceived as mere tool for enjoyment, or
are there any other hidden reasons. An employee survey for gauging the
improvements required for the center and willingness of employees to use the facility
shall provide the exact roadmap for decision. (Please refer exhibit 2). Questions 1-5
will help us to assess the present situation and Questions 6-10 will help us to plan for
the future.
I have thoroughly benefitted from the fitness center and have realised it over a period
of last 3 years that it is Fun to be Fit, not Fitness for Fun.






EXHIBIT- 1
Stress levels at Work (NIOSH, 1999)

Source: Unity Wellness Group
Source:Powel et al.
Source: Unity Wellness Group

EXHIBIT- 2
Feedback Form
Please share your experiences/suggestions related to the fitness center
(1 Very Poor, 2- Needs Improvement, 3- Satisfactory, 4- Good 5- Excellent
1. How frequently have you visited the fitness center?
2. How do you rate the facilities at the fitness center?
3. How do you rate the support staffs and their service?
4. How do you rate the cleanliness and atmosphere?
5. How do you rate the timing of fitness center?

6. Have you been following the minimum 150 minutes/week moderate exercise or
75 minutes/week rigorous exercise model at the fitness center? YES/NO

7. If yes, please share the three benefits you have experienced.



8. If No, please state three reasons.




9. Company is planning to conduct a wellness program. Would you like to involve
your family members enrol for it? If, yes, Furnish the details


10. Any other suggestions to feel Fun to be fit:




Bibliography:
Azagba. (2011). Psychosocial Working Conditions. Retrieved from BMC Public Health:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/11/642
Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-
20044469?pg=1
Holm, P. (2006). High stress levels in financial services and insurance sector. Retrieved from EWCO:
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/2006/07/DK0607019I.htm
NIOSH. (1999). Stress...at work. Retrieved from Centers for Disease control and prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/
Survey: More employers are offering incentives to participate in wellness programs. (2011). Retrieved
from Healthmath: http://www.heartmath.com/news/corporate-wellness-programs/index.html
Powell K.E., Thompson, P.D., Casperson, C.J., & Kendrick, J.S. (1987). Physical activity and the
incidence of coronary heart disease. Annual Review of Public Health, 8, 253-287.