CEOs and CFOs of companies across the United States are quickly realizing the positive effects of corporate wellness programs. Healthy employees are cheap employees, in that they save on health insurance costs. An American Institute for Preventative Medicine study found that 62 percent of all companies offer some type of wellness program, according to TrendsUpdates.com. A company-supported wellness program sends the message to employees that their overall well-being is considered. This improves company morale and ultimately employee loyalty, according to TrendsUpdates.com.
Biggest Loser Challenge
The hit reality-television show "The Biggest Loser" has inspired corporate America. Companies are using this model for their own weight-loss challenges. Basically, employees weigh in weekly over a period of time, and the employee with the highest overall percentage of weight loss wins a prize. For companies that are concerned about social justice, the Pound for Pound Challenge (also sponsored by "The Biggest Loser") is another option. Employees pledge to lose a certain amount of weight, and for every pound they lose, "The Biggest Loser" donates a pound of food to a local food bank, helping to end hunger in America, according to PFPChallenge.com.
Gym Membership
Offering workers free or inexpensive use of gyms, fitness centers and pools is another trend. Companies that provide this incentive boost morale and employee health while decreasing insurance costs. But these programs are cost effective only if the workers take advantage of them. If employees are attending the gym only four times a month, the employer is wasting money, and the employee certainly isn't benefiting, according to BenefitsBuzz.com.
On-Site Wellness Programs
In some cases, the most cost-effective workplace wellness programs are on site. A workplace-based health and wellness program can cost less than a catered company dinner, and employees will be more inclined to attend health-related events because they do not have to leave the building, according to BenefitsBuzz.com. Employers can hire personal trainers, aerobics instructors and others to give brown bag lunch talks and offer advice. Building a fitness center on site is certainly more expensive but can be very beneficial, because employees can work out during their lunch breaks or immediately after work instead of driving off site, according to BenefitsBuzz.com.
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