Posted by Worksite Wellness | Posted in worksite wellness programs | Posted on 25-05-2009
Major benefits of healthy workers include:
- Lower Medical Care expenses
- Reduced Injuries
- Reduced Absenteeism
- Boosted Morale and Loyalty
- Increased Productivity
- Reduced Use of Medical Care Benefits
- Reduced Workers’ Comp/Disability
- Positive Perception in Community
- Reduced Turnover
- Better recruitment for skilled employee
What is NOT Having a Worksite Wellness Program Costing Your Corporation?
Consider the health risk factors that are exacerbating chronic diseases for adults:
- 59% of American adults are overweight or obese
- More than 60% of American adults do not exercise regularly
- More than 75% of American adults do not consume the minimum recommendations for fruits and vegetables
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading common cause of death and the # 1 cause of death in smokers
- 26% of workers reported they were often or very often burned out or stressed by their occupation
Medical Care expenses are Increasing: Medical Care costs are at a record high of $1.7 trillion with no signs of holding steady, let alone decreasing. The average expense of
yearly medical care spending is over $5,000 per person and with dependents almost $10,000. Recent data shows that medical care expenses now cost North Carolina
businesses thousands of dollars per employee, per year.
Most Illnesses Can Be Prevented: Although it sounds unrealistic, experts indicate that avoidable illness makes up 60% – 70% of the entire burden of illness in the U.S.. In
North Carolina, it is estimated that more than 53% of all deaths are avoidable, and that 2/3 of all avoidable deaths are due to tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor diet.
Stress Levels are Increasing: As company resources diminish and businesses adopt less-costly work practices, the effects of absenteeism and lost productivity have an
increased influence. In a current nationwide poll, 78% of Americans described their jobs as stressful, and the majority believe that stress levels have increased over The
previous 10 years. In addition, high levels of company stress have the potential to adversely affect a company by growing injuries, absenteeism, and medical costs while
decreasing productivity. Simple solutions such as stress management education, flexible work schedules, quality social interaction, and increased participation in company
decision-making have the potential to improve stress levels in the workplace.
What is the Upfront Cost and Time Investment for a Worksite Wellness Program?
The expenditure depends on the type of Worksite Wellness Program implemented. There are several options to reward employee health with pros and cons of each. The
program design depends on the goals and objectives of the wellness program, the company resources, and the community resources available.
Improving nutrition, increasing physical activity levels, managing stress or addressing work life balance concerns, and lowering/eliminating tobacco use, are primary
strategies for preventing many of the most common avoidable chronic diseases. The possibilities of how your company deals with these concerns are endless and can range
from increasing employee awareness, which may include purchasing a few handouts on a variety of topics, and calculating walking distances around your facility, to
establishing company support such as funding a full-time occupational health professional or building an onsite fitness center.
When well-planned and based on your goals and objectives, any of these programs have the potential to help you succeed. Refer below to Worksite Wellness Program
Design Options for additional ideas.