As part of the management team at Bank of Westfield, you want to help your employees improve their health and reduce their health costs at the same time. Because the Bank of Westfield is a small company, it is at greater risk from rising health costs than are larger firms. Individuals with health problems have always paid more for health insurance. However, federal law requires that all employees covered by employer insurance programs must pay the same premium. That means that those with poor health cannot be charged more for insurance than those with good health. Recent legislation, however, has allowed some exceptions if employers offer wellness programs.

Table of Contents

QUESTION

Finding a Way to Reduce Health Insurance Costs

As part of the management team at Bank of Westfield, you want to help your employees improve their health and reduce their health costs at the same time. Because the Bank of Westfield is a small company, it is at greater risk from rising health costs than are larger firms. Individuals with health problems have always paid more for health insurance. However, federal law requires that all employees covered by employer insurance programs must pay the same premium. That means that those with poor health cannot be charged more for insurance than those with good health. Recent legislation, however, has allowed some exceptions if employers offer wellness programs.

Don't use plagiarized sources. Get Your Custom Essay on
As part of the management team at Bank of Westfield, you want to help your employees improve their health and reduce their health costs at the same time. Because the Bank of Westfield is a small company, it is at greater risk from rising health costs than are larger firms. Individuals with health problems have always paid more for health insurance. However, federal law requires that all employees covered by employer insurance programs must pay the same premium. That means that those with poor health cannot be charged more for insurance than those with good health. Recent legislation, however, has allowed some exceptions if employers offer wellness programs.
Just from $13/Page
Order Essay

Working with its insurance carrier, the Bank of Westfield developed a plan that would enable employees to reduce their deductible $500 for each health benchmark the employee reached. For example, a nonsmoker receives a $500 deduction in the overall deductible of $2,500. Other benchmark categories are cholesterol, body mass index, and blood pressure. If the Bank of Westfield can persuade employees to meet benchmarks in these areas, employees can reduce their deductible by $500 for each benchmark. This should help quiet the grumbling that resulted last year when the insurance deductible jumped from $500 to $2,500.

All of the benchmarks are explained in a brochure provided by the insurance carrier. To get employees started, the Bank of Westfield wants them to fill out an application (before January 15) to see a fitness counselor who will develop a customized fitness plan for each employee who signs up. The company will provide literature, fitness programs, and counseling to help employees meet their benchmarks.

Your tasks:

1. List and Describe the 3×3 writing process needed for this persuasive message. Be sure to list each step and sub-step, and show how you would use each step to create your message. It must be specific to your message and walk through each step and sub-step.

Hint: Three phases and three elements for each phase. PDR, AAA, ROD, EPE.

2. List and Describe the strategy needed for this type of message. Be sure to outline the specific structure of this message and tell me why you chose this strategy.

Hint:Indirect, AIDA

3. Write the message. For the signature of Melissa Mendoza, Vice President, Human Resources, prepare a persuasive action request memo addressed to all employees. Mention both direct and indirect benefits. Anticipate obstacles and answers to them. Close with an action request. Tell exactly what you want the receiver to do, and provide an extension number for anyone who has questions.

Hints:

  • Use the Memorandum format; Date, To, From, and Subject.
  • Refer to page 227 in the textbook to help you format.
  • Do the math. $2500 – $500 for each benchmark category will be your selling point.
  • Should be 4-5 paragraphs.
  • ANSWER

    1. The 3×3 Writing Process:

    Phase 1: Prewriting
    Step 1: Planning
    – Identify the purpose of the message: To persuade employees to participate in the wellness program and meet health benchmarks to reduce their health insurance deductible.
    – Analyze the audience: Consider the employees’ concerns, motivations, and potential objections to participating in the program.
    – Gather information: Understand the specifics of the wellness program, including the benchmarks and deductible reduction.

    Step 2: Drafting
    – Develop the introduction: Start with a compelling opening that grabs employees’ attention and highlights the benefits of the wellness program.
    – Present supporting information: Explain the benchmarks, the deductible reduction for each benchmark, and how employees can access the fitness counselor and resources provided by the company.
    – Address potential objections: Anticipate concerns about privacy, time commitment, or skepticism about the program’s effectiveness, and provide counterarguments.

    Step 3: Reviewing
    – Revise and refine the message: Ensure clarity, coherence, and logical flow of ideas.
    – Check for persuasive language: Incorporate emotional appeals, statistics, and success stories to engage employees and build credibility.
    – Edit for grammar, spelling, and style: Polish the message to make it professional and impactful.

    Phase 2: Drafting
    Step 1: Analyzing
    – Evaluate the effectiveness of the message: Assess if the persuasive elements are strong enough to motivate employees to take action.
    – Check for logical consistency: Ensure the message is coherent and supports the main objective of reducing health insurance costs.
    – Review the use of persuasive techniques: Verify that the message appeals to employees’ needs, emotions, and interests.

    Step 2: Revising
    – Enhance the persuasive elements: Strengthen the language, arguments, and evidence used in the message.
    – Adjust the tone and style: Tailor the message to resonate with the employee audience while maintaining professionalism.
    – Review the call to action: Ensure the request for action is clear, specific, and compelling.

    Step 3: Proofreading
    – Review the final draft for errors: Check for any spelling, grammar, or formatting mistakes.
    – Verify the accuracy of information: Ensure all details, such as deadlines and contact information, are correct.
    – Polish the final document: Make the message visually appealing and well-structured.

    Phase 3: Revising
    Step 1: Editing
    – Review the message for overall effectiveness: Evaluate if the message is persuasive, coherent, and tailored to the audience.
    – Check for completeness: Confirm that all necessary information is included.
    – Seek feedback: Share the message with colleagues or trusted individuals for their input and suggestions.

    Step 2: Proofreading
    – Carefully read the message for any remaining errors in grammar, punctuation, or formatting.
    – Confirm consistency: Check that the tone, style, and formatting are consistent throughout the message.
    – Make final adjustments: Address any feedback received and ensure the message is ready for distribution.

    Step 3: Evaluating
    – Reflect on the message’s potential impact: Consider how persuasive the message is likely to be and its potential to achieve the desired outcome.
    – Assess the clarity of the call to action: Determine if the request for action is clear, easy to understand, and compelling.
    – Plan for future improvements: Identify areas for improvement in future communications and strategies to enhance employee engagement.

    2. Strategy for the Persuasive Message:
    The strategy for this type of message is the AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) approach, using an indirect structure.

    Attention: Begin the message with a compelling opening that grabs employees’ attention and introduces the topic of reducing health insurance costs.
    Interest: Build interest by explaining the wellness program, the benchmarks, and the substantial deductible reduction employees can achieve.
    Desire: Generate desire by

    highlighting the direct benefits of participating in the program, such as improved health, financial savings, and access to personalized fitness plans and resources.
    Action: Conclude the message with a clear call to action, urging employees to fill out the application, visit the fitness counselor, and actively engage in the program. Provide contact information for questions or concerns.

    This strategy was chosen because it follows a logical progression, starting with capturing attention and generating interest, then creating a desire for the benefits, and finally prompting action. The indirect structure allows for building anticipation and persuasion throughout the message, making it more effective in engaging employees and motivating them to take part in the wellness program.

    3. Persuasive Action Request Memo:

    Bank of Westfield
    Memorandum

    Date: [Insert Date]
    To: All Employees
    From: Melissa Mendoza, Vice President, Human Resources
    Subject: Reduce Your Health Insurance Costs with the Wellness Program

    Dear Bank of Westfield Employees,

    I hope this memo finds you well. I am excited to announce a new wellness program that will not only improve your health but also help reduce your health insurance costs. In light of the rising premiums and deductibles, we understand the financial strain it may have caused, and we want to support you in managing these expenses effectively.

    The Bank of Westfield, in collaboration with our insurance carrier, has developed a comprehensive wellness program designed to empower you to meet health benchmarks and, in turn, reduce your annual deductible. For each benchmark you achieve, you can enjoy a $500 deduction from the overall deductible of $2,500. By actively participating, you have the opportunity to cut your deductible in half!

    Our wellness program focuses on four key benchmarks: smoking, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure. If you are a nonsmoker, you can immediately receive a $500 reduction in your deductible. Additional benchmarks, such as maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, a healthy BMI, and optimal blood pressure, will each earn you another $500 deduction.

    To get started on your wellness journey, we encourage you to fill out the application attached to this memo and submit it by January 15. Once you sign up, you will be scheduled to meet with a fitness counselor who will create a personalized fitness plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Moreover, we will provide you with informative literature, fitness programs, and ongoing counseling to support you throughout the program.

    We understand that you may have concerns or questions, and we are here to address them. You might wonder about privacy concerns or the time commitment required. Rest assured, your personal information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and we have structured the program to be flexible, allowing you to participate at your own pace and convenience.

    Participating in this wellness program offers both direct and indirect benefits. By prioritizing your health, you can potentially avoid costly medical expenses in the long run. Moreover, the financial relief from reducing your deductible can have a significant impact on your annual expenses. Additionally, the program provides you with the resources and support you need to achieve your health goals, ensuring a positive and sustainable lifestyle change.

    I kindly request your active participation in the wellness program by filling out the attached application and returning it to [HR Department] before January 15. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated support team at [Phone Number/Extension]. We are here to assist you every step of the way.

    Let’s embark on this wellness journey together and take control of our health and finances. Join us in making positive changes and reducing your health insurance costs. Together, we can make a difference.

    Sincerely,

    Melissa Mendoza
    Vice President, Human Resources

    [Attachments: Application Form]

Homework Writing Bay
Calculator

Calculate the price of your paper

Total price:$26
Our features

We've got everything to become your favourite writing service

Need a better grade?
We've got you covered.

Order your paper