With costs on the rise and exercise rates on the decline, it's no wonder there is so much emphasis on programs to help balance this equation. Large corporations and small businesses are doing what they can to get their employees to move more and get back into control of their lives.
Significance
According to Ron Goetzel, Director of Cornell University's Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, a company investment of $100 to $150 per employee each year to participate in an employee wellness program can save companies $300 to $450 for each employee every year. This is a significant finding that can sharply reduce health care costs and health-related issues.
Function
The main purpose of a health and wellness program is to promote healthy lifestyles, create awareness and to educate people on better ways to live and function. These programs are often offered as services for companies, corporations and businesses to get their employees in better physical and mental shape.
Time Frame
With health and wellness programs, results and statistics are usually documented on a monthly or quarterly basis and then again at the end of the year. Overall adherence and progress is then evaluated to see what is working. Necessary adjustments are made and the program continues. An online newsletter or monthly walking club could be added for more incentives for employees.
Features
Usually, the first part of a health and wellness program is a health screening. People are evaluated on their medical histories, tobacco use, smoking, eating habits and exercise habits. A program can offer smoking cessation, seminars on health-related topics, interactive workshops and fitness challenges such as weight loss. Another feature of health and wellness programs is on-site professionals such as wellness coaches, personal trainers, nurses, nutritionists and yoga instructors. Companies often offer these services to their employees for free or with small co-pays.
Health and wellness programs also include incentive programs for employees to change their habits. These programs are characterized by offering bonuses for exercise adherence, weight loss and improved attendance.
Identification
There are actually some companies that specialize in employee and residential wellness. They come into a large corporation or upscale living area and set up a modern gym, create healthy newsletters and offer everything from personal training to child care to setting up weight loss challenges. Plus One Fitness is a company that specializes in wellness management.
Benefits
In corporate America, the end result of a health and wellness program can be quite beneficial. The programs lead to lower health care costs, less lost work days and more energized and motivated employees. According to The Wellness Councils of America, small businesses reported a $24 return for every $1 spent on a company wellness program. All of these factors help increase a company's bottom line.
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