Leviton's Ruderman Named Benefits Manager of the Year by Crian's Business Insurance Magazine
Melville, NY, December 17, 2009 -- Leviton Manufacturing Company's Senior Benefits and Compensation Director Fran Ruderman was suitably compensated for a job well done: Earlier this month she earned recognition from Crain's Business Insurance magazine and was named its Benefits Manager of the Year. The recognition was given to Ruderman and her team of employee benefits associates for the innovative, broad-reaching employee programs they have rolled out during the past year across Leviton's 14 facilities.
The Benefits Manager of the Year Award is given to recognize outstanding performance in the management of group health, life, retirement, pension and work/life benefits programs. Judges include insurance and benefits professionals, consultant, brokers, insurers and managed care organizations, and nominees are ranked in seven categories. This includes the ability to skillfully administer programs through the use of technology, effectively communicate change in the organization, control benefits costs and solve problems. Nominees are ranked from 1-10 in all categories and the nominee with the highest aggregate score is selected.
Leviton's industry-leading employee benefits programs were profiled in the November 30th issue of the magazine, with a cover-story placement and 5-page insert. The series of articles includes an in-depth examination of the company's health plan and weight loss programs, eco-friendly benefits web portal and integrated financial and physical wellness programs. One such program, modeled after the reality TV show the "Biggest Loser," engaged employees in a weight loss program in which participants lost a combined 1,501 pounds over a 10-week period. Many company employees are considerably healthier and no longer need to take the medication they were once on.
"Fran's enthusiasm and energy have been instrumental in creating a truly cutting-edge and tailored approach to health care coverage which Leviton employees enjoy today. She is an inspiring and creative leader with an ability to rally people around ideas and sustain optimism even when faced with difficult challenges," said Donald J. Hendler, president and CEO of Leviton.
"With the downturn in the economy, Leviton like most companies has been confronted by formidable challenges and we needed to creatively save costs, without impacting program quality. By focusing on getting employees more engaged in proactively managing their own health and well-being, we were not only able to reduce costs, but motivate our workforce to improve their overall sense of happiness and personal satisfaction," said Ruderman.
Leviton Manufacturing is North America's leading manufacturer of electrical wiring devices, data center connectivity solutions and lighting energy management systems. Founded at the turn of the 20th century, Leviton has grown over the past 103 years to become one of the most preeminent leaders in the electrical industry. Today Leviton's product portfolio consists of over 25,000 devices and systems used in homes, businesses and industry.
