Supporting employee wellbeing: a holistic approach to health at BD
Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting not just the physical health of their employees, but their mental and emotional wellbeing as well. This includes supporting their employees with an effective substance use management program.
Alight recently hosted a webinar taking a close look at one of our clients, and how they are embracing a holistic approach to wellbeing - including substance use management.
Kristen Strobel, a leader at Becton Dickinson (BD), underscores the company’s commitment to creating a healthy workforce by providing the resources and support needed to help employees thrive at work and in their personal lives. Through working with Alight and their partners like Pelago, BD has embraced a holistic approach to wellbeing, ensuring that physical, mental and emotional health are all prioritized.
A responsibility to employees and families
As a company dedicated to advancing the world of health, BD understands the significance of offering comprehensive resources to its employees. Strobel shares that the company's responsibility goes beyond providing traditional healthcare benefits. “We are advancing the world of health, and it is our responsibility as employers to provide resources and programs that can make a real impact on the lives of our associates and their families,” she says.
This responsibility also involves addressing substance misuse, which, as Strobel points out, touches everyone. “Everybody has a story of someone in their life impacted by substance misuse,” she adds. The company acknowledges the challenges associated with accessing proper care, which often leaves employees and their families with limited treatment options.
Pelago, a comprehensive health program that BD offers to their employees through Alight, stands out for its ability to support not only physical recovery, but related mental and emotional health issues as well. Through their substance use management programs, Pelago is committed to breaking down barriers in substance use care. As Strobel explains, it's about addressing the broader picture of wellbeing. The goal is to help employees become the best versions of themselves, both at work and at home. After all, when employees are healthier and happier, they are more productive, and that leads to a more successful organization overall.
Breaking the stigma of substance misuse
For years, substance misuse has been a taboo subject. Even when acknowledged, support has often been limited—but times are changing. Strobel points to the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the focus on mental health. She recalls how BD quickly formed a mental health task force to raise awareness and connect people with the support they needed during such a challenging time. This effort helped to reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health struggles.
BD is now applying the same mindset to substance use management, particularly through initiatives like Pelago. The company recognizes that substance misuse, whether alcohol, opioids or even cannabis, needs to be addressed proactively. Strobel draws attention to the increasing accessibility of cannabis, particularly among teenagers, and emphasizes the importance of offering resources to prevent its misuse. She believes that cannabis, often glamorized and seen as a “healthy alternative,” can easily become a gateway drug if not addressed properly.
“Why wouldn’t we do the same for marijuana?” Strobel asks, referring to BD’s decision to embrace Pelago’s cannabis program. By providing education and resources early on, BD aims to help employees avoid misusing cannabis, much like BD does with opioids and alcohol. This approach aligns with the company’s larger commitment to addressing substance use head-on, ensuring employees have access to the right treatment and support when they need it.
A holistic wellbeing strategy that incorporates substance use management
BD’s wellbeing strategy focuses on creating a culture that prioritizes health in every aspect of work. The company utilizes a variety of communication methods to reinforce this commitment. Through global campaigns, manager toolkits and day-to-day conversations, BD fosters a culture in which wellbeing is part of the everyday dialogue. Whether it’s a plant manager discussing wellbeing during a shift meeting or a social event to promote connection, BD strives to create an environment that makes health a priority. Moreover, the company invests in employee benefits programs through Alight to ensure employees have ready access to the resources they need.
For BD’s manufacturing-heavy workforce, many of whom face challenges accessing traditional benefits, these outreach efforts are crucial. Strobel explains how BD uses home mailings and posters, alongside the Alight Worklife platform and digital tools, to ensure employees are fully aware of the wellbeing resources available to them. She believes that paper communications, though seemingly old-fashioned, remain highly effective for certain groups within the company.
Collaboration for greater impact
A key part of BD’s strategy is the collaboration with partners like Pelago and Alight. Yusuf Sherwani, who represents Pelago, notes that BD has worked closely with their team to develop a holistic and personalized benefits ecosystem that truly caters to the needs of their diverse workforce. The aim is to provide employees with the right messages at the right time, ensuring they can easily navigate the programs available to them.
Sherwani also acknowledges the importance of a personalized approach to wellbeing. “We shouldn’t be taking a cookie-cutter approach,” he explains, highlighting the need to recognize different preferences and communication styles, especially for rural or manufacturing populations. With BD’s multi-channel approach, the program has seen impressive engagement metrics, even within just 10 months of launching.
Leading the way with cannabis education
A standout initiative for BD is the launch of Pelago’s cannabis program, which Strobel and Sherwani both see as a vital step in addressing the rising rates of cannabis use disorder. Sherwani points out that cannabis misuse has been rising at three times the rate of other substance use disorders. This, coupled with the rise in cannabis-related ER visits, underscores the need for educational initiatives around the issue.
The Pelago cannabis program provides employees with psychoeducation, support for opting into care confidentially and harm reduction strategies. BD’s focus is on ensuring that employees understand the science behind cannabis use and the potential risks involved, especially for safety-sensitive roles where impairment can have serious consequences.
Looking to the future of substance use management
As more organizations prioritize holistic wellbeing strategies, BD’s approach sets a powerful example for how companies can provide meaningful support to their employees.
By addressing both physical and mental health needs and offering proactive substance use resources, BD is creating a healthier, more productive workforce. Partnering with trusted vendors like Alight further enhances their efforts.
With Alight’s partner programs like Pelago, employees are further empowered to take charge of their health and wellbeing. This not only improves their personal lives but also contributes to the success of the company as a whole.
Ultimately, BD’s commitment to wellbeing, from supporting mental health to addressing substance misuse, reflects a forward-thinking, compassionate approach to corporate health. It’s an approach that is creating real change—one that other organizations can look to as a model for the future of employee care.
For more insights and to explore how Alight and its partners can help your organization provide superior employee benefits and wellbeing support, be sure to check out the full webinar recording or reach out to our team.
Watch the full webinar
Closing Gaps in SUD Care: How BD is Building a Resilient Workforce With Substance Use Management
