Caesars Entertainment (Caesars) believes that a healthy workforce is critical to delivering world-class service. Therefore, Caesars emphasizes the health of its 65,000 employees as one part of its broader approach to employee engagement and customer loyalty.

The company is attempting to “change the paradigm” with respect to how employers approach health and wellness by migrating from a passive benefits program to an active partnership between the company and its employees.

Through this “win-win” active partnership approach, Caesars aims to innovate with insurance providers, establish a true partnership with shared accountability, achieve better outcomes and lower costs, and create a new model for partnership and collaboration, “Handshake for Health.”

“Handshake for Health” is a seven step model that includes: a consumer-driven plan design; on-site clinics and resources; wellness programs and incentives; a focus on quality and outcomes; robust employee communications; partnership with local HR teams; and metrics and measurements.

Caesars believes it has a responsibility to provide its employees with access to high-quality, affordable health care, and in return, employees have a responsibility to manage their own health.

Heading into 2014, Caesars plans to push the envelope even further by increasing financial incentives, providing new tools for consumerism and providing outcome-based incentives.

Since opening its first Wellness Centers in 2008, Caesars has found that a successful health and wellness program for employees:

• Requires collaboration from many players;
• Is a multi-year journey to change behaviors towards wellness; and
• Has real, large benefits, including healthier and happier employees.