Medical costs down

Allson's success in improving staff health has been mirrored over the years by a corresponding fall in medical costs and absenteeism. Medical expenses took a $15,000 dive between 2004 and 2007. And this year alone, more than 40 staff, excluding management, have taken no medical leave at all. Notably, all of this was accomplished despite a fairly major issue - the hotel's ageing workforce.

Most staff are getting on in years, making them not only more susceptible to health issues such as obesity and hypertension but limiting the measures they can take to stay healthy. Sports and physical workouts such as stair climbing, for instance, have to be reduced in frequency and intensity. In their place, less-taxing activities such as line dancing, yoga and simple aerobics are organised. And a rooftop garden has even been set aside for staff to spend an hour or so on gardening and landscaping every Friday.

About half of Allson's workplace health initiatives, such as health screening and talks, receive grant subsidies from HPB. But the cost of many others is borne entirely by the hotel. Cost, however, has never been an issue in Allson's workplace health programme. As Mr Lai says: 'Certain things are very important. We have to do them even if they are not subsidised.'

This is the first of a three-part weekly series brought to you by the Health Promotion Board.

This article was first published in The Business Times on January 07, 2009.