2018 Volume 26 Issue 2 Pages 174-179
Introduction: This article first described the Healthy Mileage Program as an example of Health and Productivity management carried out by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Then, it explored how its practices can be applied to the Health and Productivity management at small- and medium-size enterprises.
Details: In the Healthy Mileage Program, teams or individuals exercise health-related activities to receive points and win prizes as incentives. This program was launched in a small scale at limited offices in 2008 and expanded company-wide in 2012. It is currently a large scale program with nearly 4,000 participants each time. To create a lively work environment, different activities utilize the group analysis results of the stress check program. For these activities, voluntary participation is a key to make it sustainable. The following six points are found important when using these activities at small- and medium-size enterprises: (1) find key persons and tailor the approach to them; (2) start by simply making an attempt; (3) assess the activities if possible; (4) continue fine-tuning activities based on discussion among staff members and participant feedback; (5) do not give up even if results are not immediately apparent; and (6) work together as a team.
Conclusion: Small- and medium-size enterprises should pursue Health and Productivity management gradually and infuse it into the corporate culture to make it sustainable.
