The success of PwC’s global network is built by each of our more than 184,000 partners and staff. Recognizing that our people are our most valuable asset, PwC has created a culture where health and well-being is an integral part of the daily experience. Key to PwC’s benefits strategy is maintaining flexibility and choice while providing transparent, cost-effective and innovative options. PwC believes that our people should take personal responsibility for managing their wellness by leveraging the programs and tools the firm provides to help them on their journey of health and well-being.

PwC offers three medical plan options, including a traditional copayment plan and two medical plans with tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSA). Participation in these HSA-eligible plans has grown to more than 50 percent of our population with many of our partners and staff accumulating thousands of dollars in their HSAs for future health care expenses. Annual cost increases in the HSA plans have been below the national average and, in some cases, costs have remained constant from year to year or decreased.

The cornerstone of our strategy is preventive care. The option of using Executive Health Exams International (EHE) — a premier, executive preventive care provider — gives our people access to preventive care exams typically more comprehensive than those performed outside of the EHE network. In many instances, the age-based testing can be completed in one day at a single location. Referrals, sick visits and immunizations are also available. Comprehensive reports with personalized recommendations are provided as well as access to EHE personal health coaches for assistance in areas such as quitting smoking, reversing physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes education, stress management and nutritional counseling.

The challenge surrounding wellness is driving and sustaining appropriate behaviors. Our Well- Being Rewards Program allows staff to earn points for doing things that are good for them. Each year, staff can earn up to 450 points (each point equals $1) that can be redeemed for gift cards or donated to charity. Points can be earned for many activities, including exercise, physicals, health coaching, volunteering, recycling and more. Last year, more than 70 percent of staff participated and earned more than 4,375,000 points.

As PwC moves our health and wellness strategy forward, we will explore innovative solutions for our mobile population, including telemedicine, social networking tools and more transparent medical pricing tools. PwC will continue to cultivate an environment where our people devote attention, focus and time to their health and well-being.