By George Anderson
VSM Abrasives, a maker of industrial sandpaper, needed to find a way to reduce health insurance costs for its employees and so it did. The company created its "Get Healthy for Life" contest, which created a weight-loss competition between self-named teams made up of five employees each, according to The New York Times.
The response to the program was outstanding as 100 of the company's 135 employees joined in the competition.
According to the Times' report, "Weigh-ins were held every Monday morning, and the team that shed the most pounds collectively in three months — the Five Fat Sensitive Men, as it turned out, at 113 pounds — won $100 and a day off with pay for each team member."
The program was so successful at VSM, the company has made it a permanent part of its benefits package.
Moderator's Comment: What are your thoughts on VSM Abrasives' company weight loss program? Will similar programs become commonplace in companies in the near future?
Brent Barton, president. VSM Abrasives told The New York Times, "As the program progressed, our employees became noticeably more productive and confident." [George Anderson - Moderator]