Media Release

8 August 2008

ACC Staff Use of Activa Card

ACC is satisfied that contributing $250 to staff Activa Cards represents a worthwhile use of public funds.

``In return for a small investment we get improved employee productivity, less sick leave and improved staff retention. This leads to a more stable and effective workforce and that helps us serve our clients, injured New Zealanders, even better. So we believe this is a worthwhile use of public funds, as it ultimately contributes to better outcomes for our clients,’’ says Laurie Edwards, ACC Corporate Affairs Manager.

``ACC staff have overwhelmingly used their cards to buy sports equipment, pay for gym memberships and so on,’’ Mr Edwards says.

The $250 contribution ACC makes to staff Activa cards is a small sum in every sense. It equates to 0.005% of the total salary bill or 68 cents per day per person.

It should be noted the Activa Card is not special to ACC staff. Activa is run by Southern Cross Healthcare and used by organisations around the country. It is Southern Cross who organise the outlets at which the card can be used.

``It is extremely common for large organisations across the private and public sectors to include a health or wellbeing component in the total package they offer new or existing staff members. It helps attract and retain high quality staff, especially in a tight labour market,’’ Mr Edwards said.

ENDS

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