Viva Bem Health Program

Ford Brazil, as part of its Great Place to Work project, created "Programa Viva Bem," with the goal of improving the quality of life of Ford and non-Ford employees and their relatives.

The program promotes a series of campaigns in areas such as weight control, stress management, nutrition, diabetes prevention, breast cancer prevention and flu vaccination. These campaigns reduce absenteeism while reflecting positively on Ford's social commitment.

In 2007, more than 6,000 employees, agencies and family members participated in the flu vaccination campaign at all four of Ford Brazil's plants: São Bernardo do Campo, Taubaté, Tatuí and Camaçari. In August, as part of Viva Bem, a full week was spent focusing on health and quality-of-life activities in all Ford plants. The programs included lectures about obesity, blood pressure screenings, ballroom dancing classes and massages.

Viva Bem also offered smoking cessation programs for Ford Brazil employees, providing medical advice and free medications. And in June, the Camaçari plant launched "Viva Bem no São Jõao," a campaign focusing on safe driving, nutrition and the importance of exercise.

Together, these series of events helped to reinforce the image of Ford Brazil as an employer with a quality-of-life orientation and as an overall Great Place to Work.