Culture of Wellness: BlueCross BlueShield campus will feature wellness center

When BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee employees move into their new 15-acre campus on Cameron Hill downtown, a new wellness center awaits them.

“It’s a critical component of the culture of wellness we’re bringing from the larger organization to Cameron Hill,” said Dr. Mark Selna, a senior vice president at BlueCross and an executive vice president for Gordian, the BlueCross subsidiary company that will manage the new wellness center.

Three years ago, construction on a new $299 million corporate campus began at Cameron Hill. Four “wellness” components were included: a pharmacy, an on-site clinic, a cafeteria and a fitness (or wellness) center.

Employees will still receive a monthly subsidy to work out at any off-site facility, Dr. Selna said. However, the wellness center, with its $400,000 to $500,000 annual operating budget, will reach out to employees as well.

Seven full-time staff, including personal trainers will develop free nutrition and exercise plans, he said. The center features locker rooms, fitness equipment and classes. Participation in wellness programs is voluntary, he added.

Ambria Moore, a communications consultant at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, said she’d continue her membership at The Rush.

“But we’re all excited about what (the center) means as far as convenience. When I’m having trouble mapping out the day I can take my lunch hour and get my workout,” Ms. Moore said.

BlueCross expects to save money by building and staffing the center, Dr. Selna said.

“This is a strategy to retain those employees, make them more productive and creative and customer-satisfying when they come to work,” Dr. Selna said. “We hope coming to work doesn’t feel like an obligation, but feels like a work environment where people think ‘I can do my best work.’”