Wellness Program Proposal for British Columbia Credit Unions

Introduction

Maintaining a balance between work and life responsibilities is increasingly difficult. As the pace of the work environment increases, coupled with the responsibilities of family, stress can become a factor. How can companies remain competitive, successful and cost effective given these challenging conditions? As Newman and Grigg (2004) write "Caring for staff ensuring that the company gives as much as it receives from employees and treating people ethically provides the rationale for promoting psychological health at work."

The following information will provide a brief overview outlining the current status of the B.C. credit union community. In addition, statistics will be provided to highlight the cost and impact on industry as a result of work related stress and associated factors. The proposal will conclude with the list of the wellness program components followed by a review of the program evaluation and benefits to the credit union community.

Credit Unions British Columbia

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English: Logo for Credit Union 1 - Alaska

In 1900, Alphonse Desjardins organized a credit union (caisse populaire) in Levis, Quebec. As in Germany 50 years before, people were poor, interest rates were financially crippling, and the credit union offered a way out. That first Canadian credit union was small by modern standards. The first savings deposit was only 10 cents; the first collection from all the members totalled only $26. Even today, in some countries, credit unions start small but Desjardins persevered and devoted a good part of his life to credit union development in North America.

Around the world, and here at home, credit unions focus on improving the quality of life for their members, their families, and the community. Not for profit or charity but for service.

Credit unions are financial institutions like banks, and savings and loans, but they operate much differently. Credit unions are financial cooperatives, owned by the people who...