Why Employee Health Is Worth the Investment

1. Healthy, active employees incur lower health costs :

Lower health costs benefit both the employer and the employee. If health costs are lower, employers may pass a smaller percentage of the bill on to workers. In a case study of large companies, total medical spending at a company with an employee wellness program experienced slower growth in health costs than companies without a program.

2. Employees who take advantage of wellness are more productive :

Research in adults shows a link between physical activity and cognitive benefits like memory and focus. One study found employees who participated in a health promotion program and improved their health care or lifestyle regained an average of 10.3 hours in additional productivity annually and saved their companies an average of $353 per person per year in productivity costs compared to non-participants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), productivity losses related to personal and family health problems cost U.S. employers $1,685 per employee per year, or $225.8 billion annually.

Evidence also indicates that instituting workplace health programs can reduce the average sick leave, health plan, and workers’ compensation and disability insurance costs by approximately 25 percent.

3. Physically active employees are healthier :

Employee wellness programs that encourage physical activity can improve the overall health and wellbeing of the workforce. A study released in a 2012 issue of The Lancet found that physical inactivity has become more deadly – and more costly – than smoking. The good news is recent evidence suggests that an hour a day of exercise can help mediate the risks of sedentary lifestyle. Exercise has also been associated with lower risks of multiple chronic diseases and can amplify weight loss efforts.

4. Wellness programs inspire important behavior changes :

Making lasting changes to behaviours is challenging for many Americans, but a comprehensive research report sponsored by the federal government suggests workplace wellness programs can provide a much-needed assist. According to the report, research shows that the benefits of employee wellness programs include improvements in physical activity; higher fruit and vegetable consumption; lower fat intake; and a reduction in body weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

5. Small business owners may be able to take advantage of tax incentives for workplace wellness programs :

Several states, have considered or implemented tax credits to incentivize small businesses to provide employee wellness programs.