Looking to reduce health-care costs, boost engagement
Companies across the United States are initiating and adopting workplace wellness programs at a higher rate than ever before, according to a survey released by GlobalFit, a provider of healthy living programs.
Driven by a desire to reduce health-care costs and increase employee engagement, 86 per cent of 2,000 U.S. companies said they have implemented and currently execute a company wellness program.
Thirty-one per cent of respondents that implemented an active, structured workplace wellness program did so to reduce overall health-care costs while another 30 per cent sought to increase employee engagement, found the survey. Nearly 68 per cent of respondents reported rewarding employees for completing a health-risk assessment and 62 per cent provided incentives, such as additional vacation, for employees to make health-conscious decisions.
"Creating a culture of health in the workplace is proven to increase productivity, lessen absenteeism and lower health-care costs," said Frank Napolitano, CEO of GlobalFit.
Other key findings include:
• 47 per cent of respondents communicate issues of wellness to employees on a monthly basis.
• 56 per cent of employers offer a walking program as a formal employee exercise program.
• More than 61 per cent follow an annual wellness calendar.
