Unum Named One of Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles

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Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:45pm EDT

Among 63 Companies Recognized Nationally for Promoting Healthy Workplace
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(Business Wire)--
For the fourth time in the past five years, Unum (NYSE:UNM) has received
national recognition for its commitment to the health of its U.S. employees. 

The 2008 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles Gold Award comes from the
National Business Group on Health, a nonprofit organization of large employers.
The award recognizes companies for creating cultural and environmental changes
that support employees who are committed to long-term behavior changes. 

"As one of 63 companies recognized this year for their employee health and
wellness programs, Unum is at the vanguard of a national movement to promote a
system-wide culture of health emphasizing prevention, exercise, and eating
right," said Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health.
"More than ever, a healthy workforce is critical to helping America`s large
employers compete in the global marketplace. Unum is to be applauded for making
health and wellness an integral part of their workplace." 

Unum aims to be employees` principal source for tools, programs and resources
that support individual efforts to use healthcare effectively and efficiently.
These goals are achieved through:

* Health Resource Centers at four main campuses that provide health coaching and
wellness services. They are the principal source for education, programs,
activities and other resources that help support employees` efforts to maintain
health, identify or reduce health risks, or manage effectively a chronic
illness. In addition to providing health coaching, nurses at each resource
center provide limited medical assistance including conducting health screenings
and administering flu shots. 
* Partnership with Active Health Management provides employees with a Health
Assessment Tool and Personal Health Record. The health assessment and personal
health record produces a personalized and confidential health report to each
employee. Employees may share this report with their doctors to review potential
risks for certain medical conditions and identifies ways to improve health. 
* A comprehensive communications strategy dedicated to educating employees about
the company`s benefit programs and stressing the importance of physical activity
and good nutrition. In addition to explaining the health resources provided by
the company, Unum communicates how employees can improve their health as well as
help mitigate the effects of rising health care. 
* Health-conscious food choices at the company`s home office cafeterias that
serve nearly 8,000 employees. Developing awareness about nutrition has helped
stimulate employee demand for healthy meal choices. 
* Other programs and services including on-site fitness facilities at four
company locations; a 24-hour help and baby benefits nurse line; an employee
assistance program with a variety of information on health-related topics; and
periodic campaigns focused on weight reduction, physical activity and overall
well-being.

"Finding ways to help employees maintain and improve their health is an
important element of Unum`s commitment to the wellness of individuals and their
families," said Linda A. Levesque, Unum`s vice president of Human Resources,
Benefits. "We`re pleased that the value of that commitment is recognized." 

Now in its fifth year, the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles awards honor
companies' exceptional commitment to a healthy workplace and for helping
employees and families make better choices about their own health and
well-being. The underlying goal of the program is to serve as a catalyst to
encourage all employers to take action. 

About Unum

Unum (www.unum.com) is one of the leading providers of employee benefits
products and services in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through its
subsidiaries, Unum Group provided nearly $6 billion in total benefits to
customers in 2008. 





Unum
Amanda Carmichael, 423-294-7839
acarmichael@unum.com



Copyright Business Wire 2009

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