| |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
|
|
What is a corporate wellness program?
A corporate wellness program is any combination of health and fitness initiatives or programs that are put in place to support, encourage or educate employees about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Such programs have been shown to benefit individual employees as well as positively impact the organization's bottom line.
Do I need on-site facilities to have a wellness program?
An on-site facility is convenient but not necessary. Wellness programs can be as simple as having healthy snacks in the vending machine, offering stress reduction classes, a daily stretch program and/or organizing a work-run group. No matter what your circumstances, a corporate wellness program can be designed to your needs and your budget.
Is corporate wellness a growing trend?
Yes. Five years ago, 34% of companies surveyed offered HR plans such as employee wellness programs and only 16.3% offered physical fitness programs. Today, 40.3% of participating organizations offer employee wellness programs, while 30.6% offered a physical fitness program.
Why is it a growing trend?
We're seeing an increase in health care costs and in benefit claims and this is costing companies money. We're also seeing more stress in the workplace. Stressed employees aren't as productive and this also has a cost. As a result, employers see corporate wellness as a way to prevent health issues which will reduce claims, make for healthier employees and will save the company money. Overall employers are realizing the link between prevention and investing in the health of their staff, to the bottom line and the overall health and success of their companies.
What are the benefits of a wellness program to employers?
The benefits are well documented. In a nutshell a workplace wellness program can save a company significant dollars. Specifically, with fitter and healthier employees, employers see a reduction in absenteeism, turnover, injuries, stress, claims and compensation costs. They also find an increase in morale, job satisfaction, effective teamwork and productivity.
From a long-term perspective, employers reap the benefits of productive satisfied employees (retention) and they develop a reputation for being a good employer (attraction). All that is good for business and contributes to the success of the company. Bottom line, there's no downside to having a corporate wellness program.
What are the benefits of a wellness program to employees?
Studies show that employees involved in workplace wellness feel better, have fewer accidents and injuries, less incidence of illness and disease and more stamina. They lose weight, sleep better and have a greater degree of enjoyment of family, friends and leisure. In addition they handle stress and negative emotion more effectively, have increased job satisfaction and a greater general purpose in life.
What are the savings?
A study by Atlantic Blue Cross Care, Aventis Pharma and the Atlantic Health and Wellness Institute, report the cost-benefit as a return of $1.64 for every dollar spent on improving the health of employees through comprehensive workplace wellness programs. Participants with higher risk factors offer a return of $2.04 for every dollar spent. For smokers the return is $3.35 for every dollar spent, and for blue-collar workers the return is $3.98.
|
|
|
|
|
CityTV
|
|
M Channel
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why is there a higher ROI for blue-collar workers?
Typically jobs in these industries are more physical, involving lifting, standing for prolonged periods, bending, and repetitive motion. Shift work also takes its toll on health. Ironically, the workers most apt to see results from a wellness program are the least apt to be provided such a program. Why should employers be concerned about wellness?
Illness due to physical inactivity is costing the Canadian health care system at least $2.1 billion annually in direct health care costs. That impacts employers in terms of absenteeism, injuries, turnover, increased claims and higher premiums.
Why should employers be expected to pay the costs for wellness?
Employers pay either way, but pay less and gain more through proactive wellness programs. There are costs associated with turnover, injuries, absenteeism, and long-term disability. In the long run, corporate wellness programs save the company money.
Given our tough economic climate is it reasonable to expect that employers should be investing in corporate wellness at this time?
83.1% of companies cited stress as the major health risk within their organizations. With ongoing downsizing, having to do more with less, expanded workdays, the use of technology, sedentary jobs and a lack of time, that stress is increasing not decreasing. Now is exactly the right time to have corporate wellness programs. In the end, it's the companies who take a long-term view, are proactive and walk the talk in terms of investing in their employees who will emerge as the victors.
Is corporate wellness program a big investment?
You don't need a full-scale fitness facility to have a corporate wellness program. Wellness programs can be as simple as having healthy snacks in the vending machines or negotiating a group discount rate with your local gym. No matter what your circumstances, a corporate wellness program can be designed to your needs and your budget.
What are some of the more popular wellness programs companies are putting in place?
It really varies. A comprehensive program with an on-site fitness facility would involve individualized training for staff, group exercise classes, educational seminars and on-going wellness consultation and facility management. A more conservative program may involve education sessions such as stress management, stop-smoking classes and back care programs.
How do I get my organization started?
Start with a wellness assessment. Many companies are surprised to learn that they actually have the beginnings of a wellness program at work. For more information or an initial consultation email: sangha.workwell@gmail.com
|
|
