New Balance Case Study

The Challenge

New Balance Athletics believes in bringing better health to their associates. After all, they are a global company committed to helping people live a more healthy and active lifestyle. 

The company, which has been innovating for more than a century, sought information about ways to lower healthcare costs and promote wellness for its associates. After doing research on the correlation between improved health and reductions in healthcare spend, the company began researching an onsite health center. “We want to ‘run the talk,'” says Glenn Haskell, Benefits Director at New Balance who led the process. 

Our Solution

In 2009, New Balance partnered with Marathon Health and established three wellness centers at the brand’s footwear manufacturing facilities in New England. Originally created to reduce healthcare costs, the wellness centers are now seen as a benefit to associates and a way to truly improve health outcomes. 

During the past 12 years, the collaboration has included combined efforts in not only engaging associates but making sure the Marathon Health Center care team is seen as part of the organization. 

To reach associates, most of whom work in the factory and don’t have a company email, Marathon Health reaches out using personal email addresses to send reminders about appointments, wellness initiatives and health awareness topics, along with putting up posters in the cafeteria. 

“Marathon Health has worked to build strong connections with our associates,” Haskell says. “Their presence on site has allowed them to have increased meaningful interactions that support greater care overall.”