Employer-sponsored wellness plans aim to improve the overall health and wellness of the company. The programs focus on improving overall health and fitness to prevent health problems in the future. An increasing number of employers offer these programs to employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 54 percent of full-time public sector employees and 28 percent of private sector employees had access to a wellness program in 2008.
Benefits
Employees benefit in the form of improved overall health with the help of the wellness education. Participants often enjoy a better quality of life due to the changes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employers also stand to benefit from a wellness program. While it might cost money up front to run the program, overall health insurance costs may drop because the employees improve their health. A healthier, happier workforce means greater productivity and, potentially, better performance at the office.
Components
These programs often include health education and general prevention techniques. Many include a free health screening for participating employees that assesses current health levels. Employees might receive educational information about health, nutrition and exercise. Some programs offer on-site classes and online tools. The company might include policies on things like smoking and drug use, along with resources to kick the habit. Other programs might include employee assistance programs that offer counseling and other services to help employees through personal emergencies like marital disruptions, drug abuse or legal problems.
Incentives
While not mandatory, wellness programs attract many employees with incentives. The health incentive is enough for some employees to sign up. Some employers discount the health insurance premiums for participants or offer discounted membership to a participating gym. Other incentives might include monetary rewards, workplace recognition, prizes or time off, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Program Tips
The effectiveness of a wellness program depends on several factors, including how seriously the company takes the program. In the best programs, employers consider the needs and interests of the employees to create a customized program for their staffs.
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