Old Second Bancorp named a Healthiest Company for 2nd year

AURORA — For the second consecutive year, Old Second Bancorp has been named one of The Healthiest Companies in America.

The 2010 group of 44 companies out of 1,200 is recognized to have significantly reduced health care costs through employee participation in a prevention-based health program in the workplace. Rankings are based on a series of clinical evaluations of employee participants across an index of key health indicators designed by Interactive Health Solutions in Arlington Heights, a leading provider of population health management programs to companies throughout the U.S.

Old Second’s wellness program, called “The Premium Lifestyle Program,” is run by Human Resources Assistant Vice President Sally Kerby.  The program has been in place since 2006 and includes dollar-a-day health club reimbursements, wellness education, weight loss challenges, and “Fitness Fridays” (incentive days off with pay). Old Second’s employee participation rate is at 99 percent.

According to a study by The American Journal of Health Promotion, employers who invested in worksite heath promotion saw a 28 percent reduction in sick leave absenteeism; 26 percent reduction in use of health care benefits; a 30 percent reduction in workers’ comp claims and disability management; and an average $5.93-to $1 savings-to-cost ratio.

IHS Vice President-Business Development Joseph Furlin recently visited Old Second’s downtown Aurora branch to present the award recognizing Old Second’s employee health achievement.

“It’s my pleasure to recognize for the second year in a row Old Second’s commitment to the health and well-being of its employees,” said Furlin. “This kind of corporate culture encourages all employees to take responsibility for their health by taking an active role in their own preventive care.  As a result, in 2010, 78 percent of all members tested were in the low-to-no risk health category. Sally and the rest of the executive team at Old Second Bancorp understand that good health is good business.”

Old Second Bancorp is the holding company for Old Second National Bank. The Bancorp operates over 25 facilities within Kane, Kendall, DuPage, DeKalb, LaSalle, Will, and Cook counties.