FPL Group Wins National Health Award for Innovation

Wellness program is helping employees adopt healthier lifestyles, improve productivity

FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL) was awarded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2007 Innovation in Prevention Award today for its company-wide health program, FPL-WELL.

The Innovation in Prevention Awards honor businesses, public agencies and non-profits for their efforts in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. FPL Group was selected from 40 candidates in the Healthy Work Force category for large companies.

FPL-WELL, which was launched in 1991, includes four divisions — Health Promotion, Fitness Centers, Health Centers and Employee Assistance Program/Mental Health. The program offers innovative opportunities and incentives to help employees, their families and company retirees lose weight, stop smoking, lower their cholesterol and improve their overall health. Nearly 90 percent of FPL Group’s 14,000 eligible participants took part in at least one FPL-WELL program last year.

While it’s impossible to measure all the positive impacts FPL Group has experienced from FPL-WELL, a Hewitt Associates report, which annually examines health care costs nationwide, indicates FPL Group has experienced smaller increases in health care costs when compared to other companies. More importantly, FPL-WELL has resulted in less sick time, greater productivity and happier, healthier employees, according to Andrew Scibelli, manager of employee health and well-being at FPL.

To maximize FPL-WELL’s effectiveness, the programs are diverse. For example, line specialists are taught yoga and stretching exercises to help prevent sprains and strains. A full-service gym and outdoor running track are maintained at the company’s Juno Beach headquarters, giving office personnel the chance to stay active on a daily basis. In fact, the company has set up 42 fitness facilities at its office locations throughout the United States.

Nutrition is also a factor for FPL-WELL. Company cafeterias in Juno Beach and Miami have health stations, which offer healthy foods and vegetables that are priced lower than other items. A frequent buyer program allows employees to buy 12 healthy meals and get the next one free. FPL Group also offers health screenings, educational seminars, stress management programs and online health tools to support its company-wide culture of health. FPL Group even contributes to health savings accounts for employees who participate in health programs and achieve a pre-approved level of completion.

“FPL-WELL has truly become a part of our corporate culture, and the Innovation in Prevention award is a testament to all the FPL Group employees who have developed healthier lifestyles through the program,” said Scibelli, who accepted the award today in Washington, D.C.

In addition to today’s Innovation in Prevention Award, FPL-WELL has received the Platinum Award for Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles in 2005, 2006 and 2007 from the National Business Group on Health and the 2007 Leadership Award for promoting health and well-being from the Florida Healthcare Coalition.