In this age of skyrocketing healthcare costs and the progressively deteriorating health of the average American citizen, there are ample reasons – and proof – that an effective workplace wellness program will result in a healthy return.

As with any program, your wellness program needs to be well focused and well executed to succeed.  In other words, the more you target your wellness program to the health concerns of your employees, their families, and their dependents, as well as to the initiatives your employees need and want, and the more effectively you execute the program with frequent communication and widespread employee buy-in, the more effective it will be.  Effective, that is, in terms of a healthy return on investment (ROI) that your finance department – and your employees – will love.

The deteriorating state of employee wellness is a proven trend.  Most diseases result from a complex interaction between inherited risk factors and environmental risk factors such as diet, lifestyle, and social factors.  Adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes being physically active, eating nutritiously, and avoiding tobacco, can prevent or help to control many diseases.  Benefits of regular physical activity include a reduced risk of premature mortality, and reduced risks of coronary heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, hypertension, and osteoporosis.

Workplace Wellness Defined:

An employer-initiated, health-promoting care that addresses employees' minds, communities, work, bodies, spirits, and emotions (the Six Dimensions of Wellness) through promoting healthful lifestyle choices and providing programs, initiatives, and incentives that encourage employees to keep well in all these areas. Effective workplace wellness programs also take into account the wellness of employees' families and dependents. Click here to learn more about the Six Dimensions of Wellness