The majority of our workforce is desk-bound, so we encourage exercise and a healthy lifestyle to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and profitability, and boost overall morale.
Preventive health
TI provides our employees with resources to take control of their health, including individual wellness assessments, immunization and screening programs, fitness and nutrition programs, and counseling and education services.
Wellness portal
LiveHealthyAtTI.com is a complete online wellness resource available to employees and their dependents. TI refined 2009 portal content to emphasize the shortest path to a healthy lifestyle, namely better eating habits and regular physical activity. The portal also provides information on benefits to smoking cessation, access to health newsletters and information, a food finder, healthy recipes, menus, nutrition games and a food log.
Online wellness assessment
TI encourages all U.S. employees and their dependents to complete a Web-based health risk assessment, designed to measure health and lifestyle risks. Those who take the 10-minute Wellness Assessment receive immediate feedback on their health risks and a list of targeted health priorities. They also receive quick links to more in-depth information and guidance on making healthy decisions.
Employees save $120 on their annual medical benefits cost by taking the Wellness Assessment. In 2009, covered spouses or domestic partners were eligible to save $120 if they too completed the Wellness Assessment. More than 80 percent of employees and their spouses or partners participated.
Preventive screenings
We encourage employees and their families to take advantage of preventive health screenings. Fully covered by our medical plans, these include cancer screenings, blood pressure checks, and a variety of other annual and periodic screenings. In some cases, we make screenings more convenient by bringing testing equipment on-site, such as mammography machines, or offering biometric screenings. Health stations are available on-site to measure blood pressure, body fat, weight and body mass index.
In 2009, we piloted two biometric screening programs at one of our Texas manufacturing sites. This helped us refine our health communication strategies, determine the screening’s impact on work flow, and confirm that the actual health metrics aligned with what employees reported their health issues to be.
In developing communities where we operate, TI provides health and wellness clinics, seminars and immunizations. In some countries, we also participate in medical missions, such as spraying for mosquitoes to reduce the incidence of dengue fever and hosting educational programs about the importance of good hygiene.
Immunizations
TI offers on-site flu clinics at our locations throughout the U.S. Flu shots are free for all TI employees. Contractors can also take advantage of on-site flu clinics for a small fee.
Due to the shortage of H1N1 vaccines, TI did not offer this immunization in 2009. However, we did see a 5 percent increase in those who received seasonal flu vaccinations this year.
Our health plan fully covers recommended immunizations and accompanying office visits for children and infants. The immunization schedule and preventive screening schedule are based on the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice Physicians and the U.S. Task Force for Preventive Services.
Pandemic preparedness
TI is prepared for the possibility of pandemic disease, which can affect people on a worldwide scale. The toll on employees, communities and our business could be significant. As part of our pandemic preparedness plan, we have engaged physicians and nurses worldwide to prepare for a global or regional disease outbreak. Our plan involves communicating with employees regarding alternate work options or medical or family leave if they have to stay away from the workplace because the employee or family member is ill.
In 2009, during the outbreak of H1N1, TI created a Flu Facts Web site to help our global workforce identify flu-like symptoms, prevent exposure, and take action if they or their family members fell ill. A multidisciplinary team developed the site, which also contains information on work-stoppage contingency plans, business continuity plans and scenarios to help department managers address possible impacts. H1N1 did not adversely affect production throughout the company.
