How employee wellness programs benefit everyone

There is always a lot of information about how employers or employees can benefit from an employee wellness program, however, it has been shown that virtually everyone, from employer to employee along with family and friends benefit from employee wellness programs. There is a lot of documentation and research that shows that employee wellness programs save money in a large variety of ways reduce stress, improve productivity and generally make companies run better. Best of all these benefits are reported from every size and type of company. From large corporations with extensive employee wellness programs that include: state of the art gyms, dieticians and other expensive options, to small mom and pop businesses, who offer their employees discounts at the local gym and brown bag seminars, the benefits apply to all!

The bottom line is that employee wellness programs work!Businesses who understand the importance of investing in their employees are seeing a high return on investment, from their employee wellness program. When employers are using their resources to help educate their employees about health issues, the result is a fitter, healthier and more productive workforce. Studies show that businesses in the United States will spend up to 2 trillion dollars on health care. Since most people who are of working age, will spend the majority of their time at work, more then any other place, it only is common sense for employers to make the health of their employees a priority. Having an employee wellness program is the way to do this.

When an employees wellness program meets the needs and concerns of the employee not only does it benefit the employee at work, but at home as well. Families report enjoying the positive benefits of the employee wellness program, whether they are directly involved or not.

A brief look at some facts shows the importance of having an employee wellness program.

• Most people spend at least 60% of their day at work. This alone makes workplace health a priority.


• Studies show that the most common reason of job turnover is stress. Employees who are participating in an employee wellness program report significantly lower rates of stress.


• Approximately half of all sick days are stress related. Lowering stress means that more employees will be on the job and being productive.

Many employers wonder how an employee wellness program can work for their business. An effective employee wellness program works around educating their employees about fitness, wellness and health promotion issues. Employers should keep in mind that prevention takes much less time and costs a business much less in health care costs, over the long run. This means the bottom line is greatly improved when employees are offered a wellness program.

Employees who participate in an employee wellness program report-

• A much higher level of satisfaction then employees who do not


• A much higher level of morale


• A reduction in both physical and mental stress


• A much higher level of energy


• A reduction in the frustration that is often felt with a work/life balance


• A much higher level of self confidence


• A much higher level of both concentration and focus


• A much higher level of efficiency and productivity within their work structure

Employers who offer an employee wellness program report-

• A reduction in the use of sick days and much less downtime


• A reduction in the costs of health care and benefits


• A higher level of goodwill from their employees


• A higher level of interest by potential and top rated job applicants


• An increase in the profitability of the company. Employee wellness programs have been shown to increase the positive results of the bottom line.