What’s the Sync between Wellness and the Workplace?

Programs and policies that encourage healthy lifestyles can make a big difference on employee wellness AND have an influence on the employer’s bottom line.  Studies have shown that for every dollar invested by employers in Worksite Health Promotion Programs/wellness programs, there were savings ranging from $1.49 to $4.91 with a average savings of $3.14*. In employer terms, that’s more than a 3:1 minimum return on investment - a number that is difficult to ignore, and a best practice that ought to draw serious consideration from employers.  In fact, a Worksite Health Promotion Program literature review posted in Health Promotion Practitioner Journal saw:

• 19 research studies saw a 28.3% decrease in sick time
• 16 research studies established a 5.6:1 ROI
• 23 showed a 26.1 percent reduction in healthcare expenditures
• 4 found a 30% reduction in direct health care and workers’ compensation claims

There is little doubt that an all-inclusive wellness program optimized to meet a company’s specific needs can save money by reducing absenteeism, decreasing health care costs, decreasing employee turnover, and expanding productiveness.

Major advantages of healthy workers include:

• Decreased Health Care expenditures
• Reduced Injuries
• Diminished Absenteeism
• Boosted Morale and Loyalty
• Increased Productivity
• Lowered Use of Medical Care Benefits
• Reduced Workers’ Comp/Disability
• Positive Perception in Community
• Reduced Turnover
• Improved recruitment for able employees

* Source: The United States Department of Health & Human Services