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Staples' Approach to Health Care

As the world's largest office products company with approximately 91,000 associates worldwide in 2008, we are concerned about the rising cost of health care coverage. It is important to our business that comprehensive, high quality and affordable health care coverage is made available to everyone. We know that healthy associates and families improve productivity, drive down our costs and help us focus on growing our business, which benefits all stakeholders. The bullet points below further explain what we believe and what we are doing:

  • It is important for everyone to work responsibly and cooperatively to find a long term sustainable solution to health care coverage. For instance, we worked with the A.I.M. Health Care Committee to help guide the design of the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Plan and were involved as an employer representative in a pilot program assisting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the initial roll-out of the program. In addition, we are also a member of the Client Advisory Task Force on Health Care Reform for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts working to improve the communication regarding the promotion of health care coverage.
  • It is important to provide preventive health care, early detection and wellness programs, and patient education. As part of our commitment to protecting the health of our associates, we offer onsite health screenings, flu shots, weight management programs, smoking cessation clinics and other activities designed to promote the health and well-being of our associates at various locations. In addition, personal health assessments are financially incentivized and free follow-up coaching and disease management programs are provided. We also have an Employee Assistance Program which is available every hour of every day of the year. Preventive visits are provided either free or with a small co-pay.
  • We should continue to build on the relationship between employers and employees in providing a voluntary market based approach to health care. Health care costs continue to rise while coverage levels decrease, putting a tremendous strain on both employers and employees. We strive to develop and implement programs to ensure choice, quality and cost effective coverage for all employees. We offer competitive benefits to our associates and their families to help meet their current and future needs.
  • Technology should be used to bring about efficiencies through improved systems and products to help reduce medical errors and simplify medical administration. These improvements should enable each individual to receive the right care at all times anywhere. All of our health plans provide for access to a nurse practitioner either online or via telephone who can triage care, coach or educate associates on alternative treatments or possible drug interactions.
  • We work hard to help make it easy for our associates, as they are our most important asset and their health is critical to the health of our business.