Pittsfield-based Cianbro Corp., a 2,000-member employee-owned firm, earns over $300 million in annual revenue and pays 80% of employees health costs. Its health-care costs were projected to reach $20 million by 2004, a huge boost over the $11.5 million it paid in 2001. We asked, Where is the $20 million going to come from? says Peter G. Vigue, Cianbro president and CEO. Most firms would look to shift costs to employees or reduce benefits. We found that unattractive. Plus, we have a moral responsibility to our employees so we took a different path.
Cianbro decided in 2001 to institute an employee wellness program, offering a $1,500 annual incentive for employees and families to join. Over 70% of employees now participate in the voluntary program and more are joining monthly due to success stories, says Vigue.