Should I Implement a Workplace Wellness Program for My Employees?
If you’re like most business owners, you’ve probably noticed that your enterprise healthcare costs increase year after year. You also know that lost productivity due to illness or injury affects your bottom line. Can you imagine a workplace where employees felt, looked and behaved healthier?That’s the question many innovative business owners are asking as they wonder about the benefits a wellness program for employees might have on the company’s bottom line.
Case Study: Johnson & Johnson
It turns out that Johnson & Johnson, the global pharmaceutical company, has calculated a significant return on its wellness program. Over the past 21 years, the percentage of J&J employees who smoke dropped by over 66 percent, according to the Harvard Business Review. You might be thinking, “Sure, but smoking rates are down everywhere.”However, consider also that the number of J&J employees who suffer from high blood pressure dropped by more than half.They’re also more physically active, and those are two factors that significantly influence long-term wellness. The benefits of this wellness program translated to savings of over $250 million in just six years — about $2.71 for every dollar the company spent.
Caring Matters
As if the bottom line benefits of wellness programs aren’t enough to convince you, consider also that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that healthier employees are also happier workers: “Participation in health promotion activities through a workplace health program allows individuals to develop knowledge, self management and coping skills as well as build a social support network among coworkers, supervisors and family. Employees often see a comprehensive workplace health program as an investment made by their company for their well-being and a reflection of how much the company cares about its employees which may impact job satisfaction and morale. ”The result? If you decide to implement a workplace wellness program, then you’re likely to gain enhanced productivity and employee retention, as well as reduced absenteeism, insurance and workers’ compensation costs. Boosts in morale and corporate image are also common after employers introduce wellness programs.
Now What?
Keep in mind that “wellness” incorporates a broad spectrum of physical, psychological and social issues. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits certainly comprise a large portion of any sound wellness program.However, stress management, time management, education on common conditions such as substance abuse and depression, devising community- and family-friendly activities and creating an inclusive environment, also matter. A comprehensive program considers all of these factors. A smart business develops a wellness program that’s cost effective and meaningful.
Contact Us at EIF!
EIF is ready to help your business develop a customized wellness program that incorporates sound exercise and nutrition training for your employees. As an award winning personal training studio serving clients in the Millersville, Severna Park, and Annapolis, MD regions, our professionals are ready to contribute to your employees’ continuing success. Get in touch with EIF at 410-266-6688.