Occupational Health and Safety organizations are promoting the benefits of workplace programs.? There is a tremendous amount of information to support programs.
What exactly is a wellness program?
Today, it can mean everything from a gym membership to a structured program where employees can set their own goals, use tools for success, and have access to professional health coaches. Structured programs offer the best way to track results, especially if you start with a Health Risk Assessment for each participant. ? HRAs are conducted by third-party companies and report results only in the aggregate.? They take a snapshot of interest within your organization and most often employees receive a confidential summary based on their responses.
Advantages to the Employer
Most company leaders acknowledge that a healthier workforce will benefit the company. ? According to the Wellness Council of America, results are impressive:
? A company gains an average of $5.81 for every dollar invested in health management programs.
? They reduce sick-leave absenteeism by an average of 26.8 percent.
? They reduce health care costs by 26 percent.
? They reduce worker’s compensation and disability management claims costs by 32 percent.
Advantages to the Employee
Employees are seeing the benefits of wellness programs. According to the Principal Financial Well-being index for American Workers, 62 percent of employees believe workplace wellness activities are successful in improving health and reducing risks (up from 55 percent in 2011).
American employees who are healthier approach their work with more energy and motivation. Here are some benefits they cite:
? 51 percent of participants say they work harder and perform better
? 59 percent say they have more energy and are more productive
? Employees expect their employers to offer wellness programs
? 45 percent say that health-related programs encourage them to stay in their current position
? 43 percent say they miss fewer days of work as a result of wellness programs
These stats are promising and encouraging when developing a workplace program.
Trish Tonaj @ Phaze2inc.
