That ‘family’ culture of engineering consultancy Beca pervades every aspect of this internationally successful company. It’s the foundation of its commitment to employee health and wellbeing.

As part of its commitment to supporting employee wellbeing – within and beyond the work-place – Beca offers a number of health and wellness benefits. These include regular health checks, free annual flu injections and an employee assistance programme through which staff can access advice and support in dealing with personal problems that are affecting their work performance.

Southern Cross health insurance is a key part of the health and wellness package. After three months with Beca, all employees qualify for a fixed-dollar company contribution towards the cost of their premiums, with choice on the plans that best suit them. Partners and immediate family are also covered, a significant benefit that Christchurch office manager Garth Can believes may be a factor in the take-up rate of more than 70 percent.

“Our employees and their families get more affordable insurance along with the ability to choose plans that suit their circumstances and their budgets – and they enjoy the advantages of prompt access to private treatment when they need it, without the potential stress on their finances,” says Garth.

According to Garth, health insurance also helps to position Beca as an employer of choice: “We feature it in our recruitment advertising strategies and promote it within the company via emails, our intranet and internal newsletters.”

Garth reports that Beca’s health and wellness initiatives have had a positive impact on its rates of injury, illness and absenteeism.

“Our human resources team is very focused on taking a proactive rather than reactive approach to employee health and wellbeing,” he says. “For example, we encourage our staff to stay home if they’re unwell, and we support them in returning to work when they’re fit to do so – which can mean modifying their duties or providing part-time work.

Our staff are the key to our success. We value their knowledge and skills, and are committed to providing them with a safe, healthy work environment. Initiatives like health insurance really work for our company: it’s good for them, and it’s good for our business.”