Worksite Wellness

Employers increasingly are realizing the value that worksite wellness programs deliver as an effective tool to improve employee health, increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and lower health care costs.

A 2003 report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighted how important it is for employers to incorporate health promotion as part of their business strategy. The report asserts that preventable diseases place a heavy price for the business, including lower productivity and higher medical costs.

The HHS estimates that $ 1.66 trillion spent on health in 2003. and it attributes a majority of these costs for chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and asthma. Unfortunately, the money allocated for preventing or controlling these conditions is negligible.

In a recent article, reported the American Cancer Society CEO John Seffrin twothirds all cancer deaths in the United States could be avoided through lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, cancer screening and "especially" smoking. A well-designed worksite wellness program provided by your health benefits company, serves the best interests of both employer and employee.

Bottom Line ROI

Ron Goetzel, an internationally recognized expert in health management, data analysis and applied research, said in a recent interview that with an investment of $ 100 to $ 150 per employee per year in health promotion, an employer can expect an average return on investment of about $ 3 for every $ 1 invested ($ 300 to $ 450 savings per employee per year). Goetzel says, however, that these returns are not typically realized until two to three years for the wellness program.

Legislative incentives

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has been a pronounced supporter of the efforts of legislative solutions for a strained health system. "As a nation, we have a" sick care "system that is focused on helping people when they get sick, rather than a" health care "system that focuses on keeping healthy people healthy," he says. Harkin introduced healthy lifestyles and prevention (HELP) America Act of 2004. One of the initiatives under Title II - Healthier Communities and Workplaces, provides tax breaks to companies that offer comprehensive programs to promote employee health and grants for small businesses.

Worksite wellness, getting started

Implementation of a workspace, a wellness program with your health insurance carrier can be accomplished with simple, lowcost strategies.

Incentives for participation.

Create a wellness campaign.

Schedule seminars on nutrition, diabetes and cholesterol.

Establish programs such as fitness, sleep diary, smoking cessation and prevention.

Offer chair massages or simple stretching exercises to do at your desk.

Change vending machine options to offer healthier, low fat snacks and drinks.

Working with an insurance carrier that can implement, manage and maintain your program. Actively promote participation.

A successful worksite wellness program can increase company morale, increase productivity, reduce organizational conflict, attract superior workers and lower staff turnover rate.

Arguments for creating a workspace, a wellness program is well worth the effort.