Workplace Wellness Programs Work
Lifestyle choices like smoking, exercise and weight management were once considered strictly personal activities, well outside the worker/employer relationship. But recent studies in the U.S. and Canada have shown workplace wellness programs pay off for workers both on and off the job.
Some employers are taking an active approach to the health and well being of their employees while reducing costs associated with workers’ compensation, health care, absenteeism and productivity. A recent U.S. study found a positive return on investment ranging up to $8.81 per dollar spent on a wellness program. Similar Canadian health promotion programs cut absenteeism rates to half of the national average, and brought cost benefits of three times return for every dollar invested.
Workplace wellness programs can help workers get healthier, even if that simply means learning how to reduce stress and muscle strain while on the job. Everyone has some sort of health risk, whether it’s unhealthy eating, lack of exercise or sleep, drinking, smoking, or even a genetic condition. Some of the most common programs include assistance with:
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Sleeping disorders
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Stress management
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Smoking cessation
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Weight management
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Cholesterol and blood
pressure reduction
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Exercise classes
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Lunch time walking clubs
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One-on-one stretching and exercise classes
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Subsidized healthy meals
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Company workout center
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Local health club memberships
Healthy workers create a healthy workplace, reduce accidents and injuries, and help reduce costs.
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