Reference no: EM132208897

THE CARROT-AND-STICK APPROACH TO EMPLOYEE WELLNESS It was a sight that drove Jeff Bedard crazy nearly every time he pulled up to his office in Johnson City, Tennessee: a half-dozen employees, huddled outside the plant where they manufactured over-the-counter and prescription skin-care products—some of them designed to prevent skin cancer—puffing on cigarettes. The scene invariably got Bedard, CEO of Crown Laboratories, thinking about his health care bill, which had risen 30 percent a year for the past three years. What’s the point of insuring people who are determined to kill themselves, he’d wonder. What’s more, Crown’s motto is “Creating a healthier world through technology.” Every time Bedard saw the cloud of cigarette smoke, he wondered whether the company was living up to the motto. Last fall, Bedard decided he’d had enough, and he rolled out a tough new wellness program designed to force his 61 employees to live healthier lives. Each worker is required to get an annual onsite health assessment. Based on a number of indicators—including blood pressure, weight, physical activity, and cholesterol levels—the individuals are given a “wellness number” of up to 24. Those who improve their scores by at least three points a year, or maintain a score of 20 or more, will get a $500 bonus and extra days off. Smoking is now officially against Crown policy—even during off-hours—and nicotine levels are measured in the health assessment. Smokers have until January 2019 to kick the habit. If they don’t, they’ll have to start paying their own health insurance premiums. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS BELOW BEST DESCRIBE YOUR RESPONSE? Please choose only one of the statements and be sure to explain why you chose your statement using supporting evidence for your position from the excerpt above. 1. This is a heavy-handed and unethical abuse of managerial power. Explain your position. 2. While this is an extreme measure, the end justifies the means. Explain the ethics of this choice. 3. Jeff Bedard is a man of integrity who wants his employees to “walk the company’s talk.” Explain your ethical position. 4. This is an ethical course of action because everyone wins when the company enjoys lower absenteeism, higher productivity, and lower health insurance costs. Explain. 5. Employees with unhealthy habits really want to be healthier; this program just gives them some needed incentives. Explain your ethical rationale. 6. This is an open invitation to lawsuits of various kinds. It is a good idea who time has not come. Explain.