Atlas Distributing: A high priority on healthy workers
Atlas Distributing in Auburn may be a mid-sized company, but it operates like a small family business. According to Jack Lepore, vice president of finance and operations, the family's business mentality lies behind the generous health and wellness benefits it offers employees.
Lepore said Atlas, which distributes beverages to about 3,000 locations across Central Massachusetts, pays 75 to 80 percent of health insurance premiums and offers full dental coverage to employees and their families.
When the company moved to higher deductible plans several years ago, it cushioned the blow by launching company-funded health reimbursement accounts.
“We didn't want the employees to lose,” Lepore said. “It should be a win-win for the company and the employees, and we were able to accomplish that. From a health standpoint, we've tried to be as flexible as we can and think outside the box.”
Lepore said deductibles are $1,000 per person and $2,000 per family, and Atlas pays for 80 percent of them with the savings it realized from lower insurance premiums.
Through the company's health insurance provider, Fallon Health, employees can also earn money back for various health-enhancing activities. Lepore said up to $400 per year is available to each employee for simply doing what they most likely already do, such as enrolling kids in soccer or purchasing a gym membership, and the company frequently reminds employees of that benefit.
Long- and-short-term disability insurance, as well as life insurance, are offered free of charge, as is an employee-assistance program that provides a confidential third party for employees to talk about personal issues.
In addition to what's offered through outside providers, Atlas holds an annual blood drive and administers flu shots on-site every fall. This year, the company introduced CPR lessons.
Atlas also gives out annual safety awards, and a safety committee oversees training for employees.
All these efforts harken back to the company's core values and caring for its employees, Lepore said.
“The company is run on that,” he said. “We think very highly of our employees and their contributions and what they bring to the table and certainly we want employees to feel good about working at Atlas Distributing.”
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