Wellness program at Con-way shows results

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Truckers doing stretches each morning before taking off in their rigs?

That's how workers at Con-way Freight, a locally based subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) start their days. The company implemented a wellness program at 13 of its largest sites, including one in Ann Arbor, and the results have been so positive, the company plans to expand it to another six locations by the end of the year.

It has hired full-time coaches who are stationed on-site to talk with workers confidentially about their health concerns, whether it be weight loss, nutrition, or an injury they've suffered on or off the job.

Bob Belke, a former strength trainer for the University of Michigan football program, now works for Wellness Coaches USA. Working at Con-way's Romulus and Ann Arbor sites since December, he recently began a weekly lunchtime program at the Ann Arbor office called, "Walk With Bob.''

"We just meet out by the front and we go on a two-and-a-half to three mile walk and we just talk,'' said Belke. "It gives people a break from their routine.''

He supplies handouts to each employee monthly on health-related topics, giving him a chance to build rapport and trust on a one-on-one basis. "So far, it's working,'' he said.

"He goes and seeks out employees,'' said Dave McClimon, president of Con-way Freight, which employs roughly 307 people locally in three locations; in Scio Township, Pittsfield Township and a freight service center in Green Oak Township.

"There is huge acceptance, once it starts. People see other people lose weight or stop smoking and it feeds on itself,'' he said.

The program is voluntary. There are no incentives to participate and no additional insurance costs if people opt not to talk to the coach, said McClimon. He declined to say how much the program costs the company, saying only it is "not inexpensive.'' He added, "While we can, and do, justify this in the dollars and cents, in the long run it's the reduced medical costs and the employees see the company caring and taking an interest.''

The company first tested the program in Los Angeles in 2005, and said it resulted in an 80 percent reduction in workers' compensation claims and a 75 percent reduction in lost work days. Officials say the results at other locations mirror those results.

Many Con-way sites are now equipped with scales, and employees' family members are also able to take part in coaching.

The freight transportation and logistics services company is headquartered in San Mateo, Calif.