Why Have a Wellness Program?

Wellness programs promote healthy lifestyles.

Wellness programs do not just benefit employees; they provide very tangible benefits for the employer as well. Wellness programs range from simple employee seminars on health and wellness issues to broad-based programs. Simple programs may help employees develop a healthier lifestyle. More robust programs may be operated by third-party providers and create custom plans to promote health and fitness as well as to help employees overcome specific health-related issues.

Increased Productivity

Wellness programs reduce job-related stress and increases productivity.

A healthier workforce means less absenteeism and increased productivity. According to the United States Surgeon General's Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, colon cancer, disability, depression and other serious illnesses that severely impact a person's ability to perform their job. Job-related stress is estimated to cost up to 300 billion dollars annually in tardiness, absenteeism and lost productivity. In the United States, the average annual per-person cost of lost productivity due to sick days is $28,800. Wellness programs create an environment for mutual support and motivation has a direct positive impact on job performance and morale.

Healthcare Cost Savings

Healthy employees mean reduced healthcare costs for their employers.

According to the 2010 report of the Surgeon General of the United States, two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. These statistics have a direct correlation to the epidemic of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses that are currently plaguing the American workforce. Serious and chronic health issues mean higher worker's compensation and healthcare insurance costs. Obese Americans spend approximately 36 percent more on healthcare costs and 77 percent more on medications than those with a healthy weight. Smokers cost an average of $2,189 in worker's compensation costs, whereas a non-smoker averages $176 in costs. For every dollar spent on corporate wellness programs, a company can save as much as $6 dollars in insurance costs.

Increased Quality of Work

Sedintary work environments compromise stamina and creativity.

Employers expect their employees to be at their top performance level at work, however the average worker typically spends 47 hours per week at work, not including commuting time. Technologies such as computers, cell phones and email have sharply decreased the level of physical activity in the workplace. This means that most workers are spending a great deal of sedentary time at work. The lack of physical activity reduces stamina, mental acuity and increases levels of stress, all of which negatively impacts the quality of work performance.

The Five Elements of Well Being

When people thrive, businesses thrive.

The Gallup Management Journal's research team identifies five elements of well being and maintains that these five elements transcend country and cultural differences. Gallup advises that all five should be implemented for optimal benefit: career well being, social well being, financial well being, physical well being and community well being. When these factors are fully realized, the Gallup research team maintains, "people thrive -- and so do businesses."

References

• The Office of the Surgeon General: The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation Fact Sheet
• The Office of the Surgeon General: Surgeon General's Perspectives: The Importance of Being Active Your Way pdf.
• Infinite Health Coach: Advantages of Corporate Wellness Programs
• Fit Together.org: Dimensions of Optimal Health
• Gallup Management Journal: The Business Case for Wellbeing