Employee wellness programs expected to grow in 2011

Tuesday, 04 January 2011 13:44

Traditionally viewed as an extra perk for employees, corporate wellness programs are geared to become more prominent in 2011. The new health care bill emphasizes prevention and wellness in the workplace in order to drive down health care costs. Under the new law, small businesses will receive grants to implement employee wellness programs, and employers can offer employees who participate in a wellness program a discount of up to 30% in their health insurance premiums. Health experts expect more businesses to start offering wellness programs, and more employees to take advantage of them.

A recent survey of 282 employers found that 72 percent were enhancing employee programs aimed at stress management or health coaching, or plan to do so in the next year. Studies have shown numerous benefits for companies that offer employee wellness programs. Research from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shows that the return on investment for a comprehensive wellness program can be as high as six to one.

Employee wellness programs aimed at preventing illness and making healthy lifestyle choices reduce absenteeism and employee turnover, increase productivity, and improve employee morale. They can also reduce stress, increase energy levels, and enhance quality of life for employees.

Employers who have already implemented employee wellness programs have seen clear success with high employee involvement in promotions such as weight-loss challenges, in which winners can earn incentives from 1/2-day Fridays to airline tickets. In 2011, workers can expect to see an increase in employee wellness programs that provide resources for wellness goals such as smoking cessation, healthy eating, and weight loss.