Exemplary Employers

Weyerhaeuser Exemplary Financial Program
Weyerhaeuser's benefits manager, Sally Haas, winner of a Benny Award for Retirement Planning from Employee Benefit News, is a national leader in thinking about, designing and delivering successful workplace financial programs. Weyerhaeuser's comprehensive program includes one-day seminars for workers under age 50, three different half-day seminars for those under 40, and special seminars designed solely for women. They also provide employees with monthly financial planning live web casts.

Weyerhaeuser provides monthly 2 ½ -day seminars for employees who are age 50 or older. About 50 employees and spouses attend each seminar. These are held at corporate headquarters or at major satellite offices. The company pays all expenses and absorbs the cost for lost work time for the 5,000 employees who attend each year coming from almost 400 locations. Haas says she "believes that face-to-face communication is the best change you have to effect change." Two-thirds of those who attend this seminar make an appointment for more financial advice within 6 months. Employees need to be educated on how to build wealth and how to hang on to in retirement.

Hass says that "People come out of that seminar saying, 'Boy, I really have a better understanding of the value of being a worker in terms of my mental and social engagement. I'm more appreciative to stay, and I'm more jazzed up about what I can contribute. I have a better idea of what I'd like to do next, and it's time for me to get on with that.'" Weyerhaeuser is sending the clear message that it cares about its employees' best interests.

Contact:
Sally Haas, Benefits Manager
E-mail: s.hass@weyerhaeuser.com
Tele: 253-924-2359