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Joni Troester, interim assistant vice president of benefits, health and productivity of the University of Iowa, transformed her alma mater into a world-class wellness hub. Combining a radical vision for employee wellness and with a practical approach to health care, she led a dynamic team to cut healthcare costs for an organization with over 23,000 employees.

The Beginnings 

Joni Troester’s initial role as a health educator at the University of Iowa’s Department of Family Medicine sparked interest in a new wellness program. As she told journalist Sarah Sipek of Workforce:

“What I noticed when I began working there was that a lot of our primary-care patients were also employees of the university. So I began to have conversations with family medicine leadership and our central human resources department about launching an initiative for employees around health and wellness.”

Starting with a pilot program in 1999, the University evaluated their role in fostering employee health. The team has since transformed the original wellness program into a strategic HR initiative that connects financial incentives to beneficial health practices. In 2007, the program became liveWELL, which saves the University of Iowa $3 million annually with a 2.37 percent ROI.

An Emphasis on Collaboration

Troester credits strong partnerships with University of Iowa’s recreational services, health science colleges, and university hospitals with their success. Drawing on the perspectives of both these internal groups and external collaborators, such as insurance companies, Troester created an advisory management board that leads initiatives on behalf of the university.

In addition to focusing on strategic support, University of Iowa adapted programs to the needs and interests of employees. A wellness ambassador group of 130 volunteers bridged the gap between the board and the community. Seventy-three percent of employees also completed a personal health assessments in 2015, lending a voice in the liveWELL’s continued direction and focus.

Personal and Financial Impact

The personal and economic benefits of liveWELL extend to participants. Through a personalized health coaching service, employees receive guidance on lifestyle changes. A 2014 study of the University’s UIChoice health plan found that participants “had lower adjusted average annual claim costs of $307.50” compared to non-participants. Employees who embraced LiveWELL also experienced 7 percent decrease in health care costs between 2010 and 2013 — a stark contrast from the inflation of health care costs most Americans experience.

The University of Iowa has garnered praise for LiveWell, receiving the following acclaims: Healthy Iowa Award, American Health Association Fit-Friendly Worksite, C. Everett Koop National Health Award – Honorable Mention. As an organization, their pioneer a new level of involvement in community health, balancing the needs of corporate interests and personalized care.