Employers, unions and trusts that offer workplace wellness programs see a measurable difference in their bottom line.

In fact, investments in worksite health promotion programs can provide a return of $3–$6 for every dollar invested over a 2–5 year period.¹ Money is saved in lower overall health benefit costs and reduced absenteeism.

Take a closer look at the unhealthy state of most American adults:

• More than 50 percent of U.S. adults are physically inactive.²
• 33 percent of U.S. adults were obese in 2003–2004.²
• Cigarette smoking causes close to 440,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.²
• 87 percent of Americans want to improve their overall health.³

As these unhealthy behaviors increase, so do the incidence and costs of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.²

A wellness program results in healthier plan members. You’ll see increased employee productivity and improved employee satisfaction.

What is a wellness program?
Wellness programs offer tools and resources that can help plan members get—and stay—healthy. Examples of wellness plan offerings include:

• 24-hour help lines and member assistance programs – These tools provide help for members struggling with everyday challenges and health concerns. They also offer services and support for members with serious emotional and mental health issues.
• Online tools – Health websites, assessments and e-newsletters offer information about health conditions and ideas for dealing with common health concerns.
• Fitness and weight loss benefits – Options include discounts on programs like Weight Watchers® and Jenny Craig®, as well as health club memberships and exercise equipment.
• Incentives and rewards – Incentives for participating in health-conscious activities might include cash, paid time off, fitness-related accessories, or gift certificates.

Here's how we can help.
We can guide you through the process of developing a successful, long-term wellness program, from getting buy-in from management, to determining measures of success and opportunities for improvement.

1. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, December 2005
2. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007
3. Wellness Councils of America

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