By: Teri Elkins
Without a doubt, the rate of preventable diseases and obesity has skyrocketed among Americans in recent years. Inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and stress are the primary causes for chronic diseases and obesity. According to the Integrated Benefits Institute, which represents major U.S. employers and business coalitions, reported that poor health costs the U.S. economy $576 billion a year. Out of $576 billion, $227 is reported from “lost productivity” from employee absenteeism due to illness (Jasen, 2012).
“67% of employers say poor employee health habits are a top challenge of maintaining affordable coverage”. (ACE, 2016).
Unfortunately, some employers are unaware of the direct link between an employee’s health status and productivity. Indirect costs of poor employee health include absenteeism, disability, or reduced work output may be several times higher than direct medical costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), productivity losses related to personal and family health problems cost the U.S. employers $1,685 per employee per year. These indirect costs affect all employers, even those who avoid direct medical costs by not funding health insurance.
“Individuals with a chronic disease cost up to four times more in health insurance expenses than healthy individuals.” (ACE, 2016).
Incorporating a workplace wellness program that combines both individual and organizational strategies may produce benefits for both the employer as well as the employees.
How? Here is an overview of potential benefits of workplace wellness programs to employers and employees
For Employers:
- Lower health care and disability costs
- Enhanced employee productivity
- Reduced employee absenteeism
- Decreased rates of illness and injuries
- Enhanced corporate image
- Improved employee morale
- Improved employee recruitment and retention
- Increased organizational commitment and creation of a culture of health
For Employees:
- Increased well-being, self-image, and self-esteem
- Improved coping skills with stress or other factors affecting health
- Improved health status
- Lower costs for acute health issues
- Lower out of pocket costs for health care services (e.g., reduced premiums; deductibles; co-payments)
- Increased access to health promotion resources and social support
- Improved job satisfaction
- Safer and more supportive work environment
56% of employers say workplace wellness is one of the three most effective approaches to control health care costs”. (ACE, 2016)
Most importantly, workplace wellness programs can be included as a core component of the employer’s compensation and benefits package, which can be used as a recruitment and retention tool to attract and keep high quality employees and maintain productive and moral.
For instance, Johnson & Johnson launched its corporate wellness program to its employees in 2003. Results were amazing! Johnson & Johnson employees reduced their weight (55%), and cut back on their stress levels (58%) significantly. By 2007, they cut their healthcare costs by $400 per person (Hardwood, 2016).
How does a business even get started on offering a workplace wellness program? It’s simple…contact an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified health coach!
“The expertise of American Council on Exercise (ACE) Health Coaches is what organizations need to make a positive impact on employee health and health care costs”. (ACE, 2016).
As an ACE Certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer, I possess the skills necessary to build employee engagement through wellness programs rooted in behavior change, nutrition and fitness. Don’t get me wrong, there a ton of great health coaching programs out there, but only one is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Only one has achieved the same standard as certification programs developed for pharmacists, human resources managers, safety supervisors, nurse practitioners and many other professionals. More than any other workplace wellness professional, ACE-certified health coaches have the expertise to help employees change the behaviors that have held them back from losing weight, eating healthier, incorporating physical activity, and improving their overall health.
“Nearly half of all employers who’ve instituted a workplace wellness programs report a cost savings”. (ACE, 2016).
One of the best investments a company can make is in their employees! If your company is ready to invest in the health and wellness of its employees and save money in 2016, contact me today for a free consultation. I can customize a corporate wellness program to meet the needs of your business and employees!
Cheers to Your Health + Happiness,
Teri Elkins, BS, CHC, CPT
References:
American Council on Exercise (ACE) (2016). Retrieved from https://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/health-coach-certification/workplace-wellness.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2013, October 23). Benefits of Health Promotion Programs. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/businesscase/benefits/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013, October 23) Worker Productivity. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/businesscase/reasons/productivity.html
Hardwood, James (2016). 12 Companies with Seriously Impressive Corporate Wellness Programs. Retrieved from http://www.totalhrmanagement.com/12-companies-with-seriously-impressive-corporate-wellness-programs
Jasen, Bruce (2012, September 12). U.S. Workforce Illness Costs $576B Annually From Sick Days To Workers Compensation. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2012/09/12/u-s-workforce-illness-costs-576b-annually-from-sick-days-to-workers-compensation/