Pitney Bowes Employer Health Strategy

Pitney Bowes Pitney Bowes has been providing software, hardware and services that integrate physical and digital communication channels for over ninety years. Pitney Bowes’ innovate mindset has enabled them to not only stay in business, but to evolve and remain a recognized leader in the “flow of physical and digital mail, packages and information to and from organizations and homes, also referred to as mailstream” (Porter & Baron, 2009, p. 1). Pitney Bowes’ commitment to innovation and productivity can be seen in every aspect of the organization, starting with the health and wellness of the employees. This paper will examine Pitney Bowes’ approach and evolution of their innovative and integrated approach to employee health care. While most organizations were cutting health benefits Pitney Bowes could be found increasing their spending on employee health. This is because Pitney Bowes has a fundamental understanding of the relationship between organizational health culture and the bottom line that is shared by few. Michael Critelli, Pitney Bowes Executive Chairman explains that, “when our employees become ill, it directly affects our bottom line” (Porter & Baron, 2009, p. 1). Through research, new initiatives and studies they have been able not only save millions, but become recognized as pioneers in improving employee health while controlling spending. Pitney Bowes’ approach is centered on preventative care, an idea that has managed to slip by many organizations around the world. Through proactively removing barriers to receiving health care and “providing resources which empower employees to take control of their own health” (Pitney Bowes, 2011), Pitney Bowes has dramatically reduced health care cost while increasing the quality of employee health throughout the company. One of the ways the company adds value is through their health and wellness programs such as disease management, health risk assessments, disability management and

References: Pitney Bowes. (2011). www.pb.com Porter, M. E., & Baron, J. F. (2009, February 24). Pitney Bowes: Employer Health Strategy. Harvard Business School Case Study.