Company Wellness Programs

Five reasons to have a health promotion program   

1   The U.S. spends more dollars on health care than any other nation yet we aren’t the world’s healthiest

• Largely sedentary   

• Smoking is still popular   

• Stress is at epidemic levels (WHO)   

• Alcohol continues to take its toll on Americans   

2   Much of the illness in the USA is preventable

• Tobacco and alcohol are leading causes of death   

• as much as 70 percent of the cost of health care is driven by avoidable illness   

3   Health Care costs continue to rise

• Health Care premiums continue to rise and to be passed on to the employee   

• Health Care cost are generally the number one benefit cost to most corporations    

4   The worksite is an ideal establishing to address health and well being

• Most American Citizens work   

• Poor health habits take a toll on American business   

• Employers have a vested interest in health related issues.   

5   Research validates that health promotion programs can improve health, save money, and even produce a Return On Investment.

• Aldana,S.G. (1998). Financial impact of company wellness and methodological quality of the evidence. the Art of Wellness. Vol 2, Number 1.   

• Wilson, M.G. (1996). A comprehensive review of the effects of corporate wellness on health related outcomes –  an update. the American Journal of wellness. Vol 10, Number 6.   

• Wilson, M.G. (1996). A comprehensive review of the effects of company wellness on health related outcomes –  an update. the American Journal of wellness. Vol 11, Number 2.   

• Chapman, L.S. Proof Positive –  an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of company wellness. 3rd ed. Seattle –  Summex Company, 1996.   

• Pelletier, K.R. A review of the health and cost-effective outcomes studies of extensive wellness and disease avoidance programs at the worksite –  1993-1995 Update. the American Journal of Health and Promotion. Vol. 10, Number 5.   

Key Components of a Health Promotion Program   

Physical Wellness – Focuses on the development, maintenance, or improvement of one’s physical fitness   

Sample Physical Health Promotion Programs / Seminars

• Annual biometric testing

• Regular physical activity

• Good safety habits

Emotional Health Promotion – Focuses on all aspects of mental fitness

Sample Emotional Wellness Programs / Workshops

• Stress management workshops

• Dealing with aging

• Addictive behaviors

• Parenting

Financial Wellness – Focuses on improving the quality of life of employees by assisting families and individuals in becoming financially stable

Sample Financial Wellness Programs / Seminars

• Financial management

• Savings and Investing

• Credit and Purchasing

• Insurance and Estate Planning

Spiritual Wellness – Focuses on promoting a healthy inner self

Sample Spiritual Health Promotion Programs / Workshops

• Make sure to encourage daily devotional readings

• Provide regular service opportunities

• Provide a daily/weekly/monthly chapel (meditation) time during work hours

Nutritional Wellness – Will meet the needs of the employees through group and individual nutritional services

Sample Nutritional Wellness Programs / Workshops

• Individual nutritional Assessment

• Individual and group counseling

• Educational classes

• Weight loss programs