How Corporate Wellness Programs Benefit Business

By Sharese Essien and Candace Dodson Reed

Large and small businesses alike face tremendous issues when it comes to keeping employees satisfied and healthy. Skyrocketing health care costs, low morale, stressed employees, absenteeism, minimal productivity are some of the issues that face today's businesses. How can we address these issues?

One solution is a corporate wellness program. A corporate wellness program can and will impact your bottom line and benefit your company economically and your employees physically. These programs work not only for large companies but for small companies as well. According to the Wellness Council of America, “due to a variety of misconceptions (costs, complexity, effectiveness, etc.), small businesses are less likely to offer health promotion than their larger counterparts.” Nevertheless, there are numerous advantages to investing in a corporate wellness program for both large and small businesses.

The advantages are twofold. Businesses can reduce health care costs, increase morale and loyalty, lessen absenteeism and extend productivity while employees can lower cholesterol and stress levels, blood pressure and weight.

A wellness program is comprised of four components: Communication, Assessment, Education and a Supportive Environment. Communication involves information distributed to employees via bulletin boards, newsletters, information tables, etc. so that the employees are fully aware of the program. Assessment involves screening employees to assess their physical fitness levels. Education involves brown bag lunches, classes and discussions on various topics to aid the prevention of health problems and/or diseases. A supportive environment from management ensures an effective program and that employees utilize the program.

It has been proven time and time again that wellness programs have an economic benefit for a company's bottom line. According to the Wellness Council of America, “Providence General Hospital in Everett, Washington saved an estimated $1.5 million or a cost-benefit ratio of 1 to 4.24 over the three years of an outcomes-based employee health benefits program called the Wellness Challenge. By offering financial incentives to employees who demonstrate responsibility for their health and fitness based on set criteria, the program showed reductions in the use of health benefits, lower medical claims, less absenteeism and improved health habits. Health care claims were 33.6 percent lower for employees at Providence General than at nine other similar hospitals.”

It is always an ideal time to start a corporate wellness program or to encourage your employees to begin a fitness program. It can make a difference in how your employees look, feel and perform and ultimately save your company money.

Sharese Essien is the corporate sales representative for the Columbia Association. Candace Dodson Reed is the assistant sales manager for the Columbia Association. They can be reached at 410-715-3172.