The Reality of Workplace Wellness Programs

Traci L. Kubisiak, MS, CWP

Worksite Wellness Consultant

David Martin Agency, Inc.

tkubisiak@davidmartinagency.com

davidmartinagency.com

Topic: Human Resources

There has been a perception among some that wellness programs are a “pie in the sky” concept that only companies with a lot of extra cash or a CEO on the marathon runner circuit would even think about implementing.

Smart employers know this:  successful wellness programs can result in measurable higher productivity, stronger morale, fewer unplanned employee absences and lower disability claims.  They can also measure a decrease in turnover and stabilize medical costs for the overall company; benefitting the bottom line.

The concept of worksite wellness is nothing new -- it has been around for a long time.  And the reality is that most employers today offer some form of wellness program within their organizations. In fact, according to the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA), more than 81% of businesses with more than 50 employees have some form of wellness program1.

However, some of these wellness programs have received a bad rap for being poorly planned, falling victim to an “over promise and under deliver” scenario, or failing due to lack of support and momentum from the organizational leadership.

When it comes to the potential for wellness to truly make a positive impact on your organization, the literature is pretty clear. According to a recent (February 2010) article in Health Affairs:

Rigorously conducted case studies indicate a positive return on investment (ROI) from employer-sponsored health promotion programs. Medical costs fall about $3.27 for every dollar spent on wellness programs, and absentee day costs fall by about $2.73 for every dollar spent2.

Not only are there potential cost savings, but simply put -- healthy employees make a healthy company.

So, what does it take to create a wellness program that will achieve results?  According to the experts at WELCOA (Wellness Councils of America), there are seven benchmarks of successful, results-oriented employer wellness programs:

• Capturing CEO support

• Creating cohesive wellness teams

• Collecting data to drive health efforts

• Carefully crafting an operating plan

• Choosing appropriate interventions

• Creating a supportive environment

• Carefully evaluating outcomes

Combined, it is a recipe for success for any company. Companies of all sizes and industries can follow these benchmarks and achieve results. Case studies about organizations across the country who have successfully implemented these WELCOA benchmarks can be found at  HYPERLINK "http://www.welcoa.org/" http://www.welcoa.org/.  

Wellness programs go beyond an absence for illness or a fun little perk for the already healthy employees. They provide a proactive and targeted approach designed to provide optimum levels of health, including physical, emotional and social well-being.  All which impact the company’s bottom line – increased productivity, lower costs and turnover.   Smart employers understand this – do you?

1 Wellness Councils of America, "http://www.welcoa.org" www.welcoa.org

2 Katherine Baicker, David Cutler, and Zirui Song; Workplace Wellness Programs Can Generate Savings
Health Affairs, February 2010; 29(2): 304-311.