Increases in productivity and decreases in absenteeism strengthen the case for workplace wellness programs, according to findings from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Workplace Wellness Survey Report.
The survey found 75 percent of employers offer wellness initiatives primarily to improve overall worker health and well-being. Only one in four employers said the main reason for offering wellness initiatives is to control/reduce health-related costs.
“Employers are realizing that wellness is not just about cutting health care costs, because wellness is not only about physical health,“ said Julie Stich, CEBS, associate vice president of content at the International Foundation. “Embracing the broad definition of wellness has led to a tremendous impact on organizational health and worker productivity and happiness.”
Among employers offering and measuring their wellness efforts, more than half have found a decrease in absenteeism, 63 percent are experiencing financial sustainability and growth in the organization, 66 percent reported increased productivity and 67 percent said employees are more satisfied. Popular wellness benefits include:
- Wellness competitions like walking/fitness challenges
- Healthy food choices in cafeteria or vending machines
- Standing/walking workstations
- Wearable fitness trackers
