Exercise and wellness programs offer ways for you to make lifestyle changes to improve your health. Some people find that the guidance they offer is a good motivator. Others appreciate the focus they provide when so much information -- both false and true -- exists. With rising obesity rates and associated costs, investment in exercise and wellness programs by employers makes good economic sense. Not only do employers benefit, but employees benefit from positive lifestyle changes.
Costs of Obesity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 60 percent of Americans are overweight, with more than one-third obese. This latter figure is expected to rise to 42 percent by 2050. Obesity harms not only the individual, but causes significant economic losses for employers. A 2010 study by Duke-National University of Singapore estimates that the annual cost of obesity among full-time employees in the United States tops $73 billion annually. Absenteeism and lack of productivity undermine the efficiency of the workplace.
Types of Programs
Successful programs use the six essential pillars identified in a 2010 study by Mays Business School and Texas A&M University. These programs include multilevel leadership, alignment with the company mission, comprehensive scope, accessibility, partnerships and effective communication. These principles help exercise and wellness programs create a bond between employers and employees with the common goal of a healthy lifestyle and increased productivity. Some programs incorporate exercise into an employee's day. They may also include workplace modification such as upright desks or use of exercise balls for desk chairs. Programs include a means of tracking to keep participants motivated.
Incentives
Companies may offer incentives to motivate employees. Some might use a simple competition. Others might offer rewards such as cash incentives or other perks. To improve workplace morale, companies may encourage the formation of groups so employees can work together toward a common goal. These programs succeed because they are engaging and they inject fun into the workplace.
Return on Investment
Exercise and wellness programs benefit both the employer and employees. A 2011 study by Thomson Reuters found that employer wellness programs helped to prevent weight gain in employees, resulting in cost savings for employees. Information gleaned from exercise and wellness programs is key. The benefits however, can extend beyond the workplace. A 2011 South Korean study found that health promotion programs increased the rate of detection and management of diabetes. The cost savings therefore, can benefit public health as well as individuals.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Obesity and Overweight
- "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine"; The Costs of Obesity in the Workplace; E. Finkelstein, et al.; October 2010
- "Harvard Business Review"; What's the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs?; L. Berry, et al.; December 2010
- "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine"; The Impact of Weight Gain or Loss on Health Care Costs for Employees at the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies; G. Carls, et al.; January 2011
- "Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health"; The Effect of Health Promotion on Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes; J. Lee and J. Smith; January 2011
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