A happy, satisfied and healthy worker will be more creative, productive and motivated. Companies are realizing this, and many are moving into the new millennium with programs to ensure workers receive the assistance they need to stay happy and healthy.

Southeast Missouri Hospital has sponsored a wellness program since 1979, with a goal to encourage positive living at home and at work.

Southeast's program addresses many different areas, said Debbie Leoni, manager of Main Street Fitness and the Wellness Program.

"We encourage walking and drinking plenty of water," she said. Incentives are given for workers staying on track.

Stress management classes help workers deal with problems both inside and outside the work place. Programs are provided on all shifts, so no one is left out.

The Wellness program extends beyond the hospital. Having an employee injured on the job is something businesses want to avoid.

Prospective employees for area businesses are counseled by staff members of the Wellness program to make sure the new employees know what is physically expected of them on the job.

Smoking and cholesterol screening, along with CPR and first aid classes, are often requested services.

Chateau Girardeau has just initiated a three-day-a-week, on-site exercise program for its employees.

Several businesses offer discounted memberships to the Universal Health and Fitness Center and HealthSouth to promote physical fitness among employees.

Lone Star sponsors a fall health fair for its employees. Each year the company strives to offer something new to its employees that they can use in their daily lives as well as on the job.

"We want employees to be role models for their children," said Robert Cox, manager of safety and health at Lone Star. "Healthy living is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week event. It isn't something you turn on and off at the time clock."

Physicians Associates sends nurses to the health fair, which checks height, weight and blood pressure of Lone Star's employees. If employees wish, blood tests will be conducted to check cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

The company tries to offer 15 or 16 different classes throughout the year. Due to the nature of the work at Lone Star, safety at work is a big issue.

HealthSouth staff members speak to Lone Star workers concerning back safety.

Workers from the Lutheran Home for Children offer guidance in handling the rage drivers face on the roads and violence seen in the home and at school.

Sgt. Davis of the Missouri State Highway Patrol speaks to workers concerning alcohol and drug abuse and the consequences involved with their use.

"We also support the American Red Cross with a blood drive each year," said Cox. Workers usually donate 30 to 32 pints of blood a year.

Employees like to spend quality time with family members when they are not at work and that's just what most companies want.

"The focus is on family," said Leoni. Nutritional and exercise programs have been developed for parents and kids to attend together.

Companies are seeing a return on their investment. Happier, healthier workers cut absenteeism numbers and lower employee turnover.