Workplace Wellness
Why Implement Workplace Wellness Programs
Companies pay to protect their IT systems from viruses and pay maintenance contracts to ensure their office equipment and data systems remain in good working order. What about a company's most valuable asset, its people?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chronic health problems such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and certain cancers are responsible for much of the increase in healthcare spending by employers. Additionally, these conditions have a significant impact on productivity because individuals with these conditions have a higher probability of absenteeism.
The loss of productivity related to personal or family health problems cost US employers $225.8 billion annually. Lost productive time from common pain conditions among active workers costs an estimated $61.2 billion per year. This information is based on a study conducted by AdvancePCS Center for Work and Health and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Numerous case studies point to the financial benefits of implementing workplace wellness programs. In one case, the CDC, in partnership with Steps to a Healthier Austin, implemented a chronic disease prevention and health promotion program for almost 1300 employees of a company called Capitol Metro. This was done in an effort to promote healthier lifestyles, increase employee morale and combat the rising cost of healthcare. The return on investment (ROI) was calculated after four years and showed positive results. In calculating the healthcare and absenteeism savings, they estimated that for every $1.00 spent for the program, $2.43 was saved.
What could the impact of a workplace wellness program be on your organization?
Workplace Wellness Potential Employer Benefits
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Reduced healthcare cost for chronic disease
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Decreased absenteeism
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Reduced employee turnover
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Improved worker satisfaction
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Improved morale
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Demonstrated concern for employee welfare
Workplace Wellness Potential Employee Benefits
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Reduced absenteeism
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Improved health and wellness
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Increased support in the workplace
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Increased productivity
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Improved energy and state of mind