The Harvard team and colleagues at the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago helped with the design of a large-scale project (Engaging Consumers@Work) developed by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and several of its large employers (including Food Lion, BBT, Visant, CVS, Autozone, Lozier, Staples, and Vetter Health Services). Data analysis is in the early stages. 

The project involved a massive educational program with pre- and post-surveys (50%–60% response rate) on topics including the value of increased physical activity, nutrition, and generic drugs. For each emphasis area, employees received customized direct mail postcards, e-mails, and newsletter articles, and the halls and public spaces of the companies featured corresponding posters and tabletop cards. The effects of a special component of the program, “Walking Works,” are a major focus of the analysis. We are also evaluating the differences in the effects of the programs on blue- and white-collar workers.