Posted by Worksite Wellness | Posted in worksite wellness programs | Posted on 03-08-2009
Growing Medical Care costs show no signs of slowing in the near future. Hewitt projects Medical Care costs will jump another 9.9 percent in 2006, amounting to more than $11,000 per family (of which the company will absorb more than 60 percent of costs). More than nine of 10 members of senior staff see increasing Medical Care costs as a somber company issue that their company needs to address.
The current Medical Care climate represents an ideal opportunity for businesses to reevaluate their Worksite Wellness Program offerings and consider the more systemic approach of a robust Worksite Wellness Program. Despite the sizable number of businesses that claim to offer disease management or Worksite Wellness Program activities, as of 2005 only 23 percent of workers were eligible for Worksite Wellness and only 13 percent were provided access to a fitness center through work.
This is despite evidence that nearly two-thirds of workers would be open to company-offered HRAs and enrolling in programs that encourage healthier lifestyles. Worksite Wellness are a chance for businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors by increasing productivity, cutting costs and establishing a healthier work environment that is valued by current and prospective workers.
Nearly onethird of workers polled in a 2004 study by MetLife given benefi ts as an important reason why they decided to work for their company and 38 percent said it is among the top reasons they remain at their job. Gary Grates, global director of Edelman’s Change and Employee Program Engagement Group, notes, “The return on investment in a Worksite Wellness Program extends well beyond monetary Medical Care savings. These programs can play a vital role in creating a more engaged workplace environment where workers are aligned with company goals and objectives. Worksite Wellness can represent more than a human resources(HR) program, they can be a bold symbol of what you as a company stand for.”
To date, businesses have viewed Worksite Wellness as merely another benefit to be managed by the human resources(HR) department. Nevertheless, executives, and their businesses, would be better served by adopting a more strategic and integrated approach to Worksite Wellness .
Corporations that are able to develop Worksite Wellness based on sound assessment, work within existing regulations, and involve workers around initiatives, will reap important rewards in terms of cost savings and long-term strength.