...Efficacy of Wellness Programs in the Workplace By: ??????? July 27, 2012 Dr. ??????? Abstract Workplace wellness programs are programs created to promote a healthy lifestyle among employees through exercise facilities, classes or seminars on nutrition, and exercise and health education. Wellness programs have been implemented by various corporations and firms. Larger corporations (minimum of 1,000 workers) tend to implement wellness programs to boost worker health, productivity, and, ultimately, reduce company cost for health care coverage. The United States Workplace Wellness Alliance was implemented in 2009 because of the need for wellness programs for corporations. A qualitative search from scholarly, peer-reviewed articles of employee wellness programs was conducted to assess the efficacy of the wellness programs. The results showed promising results of wellness programs, including decrease in company health care cost and increase in return on investments (ROIs). Workplace wellness programs have shown to decrease employee absenteeism, presenteeism, medical cost, and increase productivity. Background Wellness programs are a common part of the modern-day workplace. They were created for companies to cultivate wellness in their employees. Wellness programs are an essential part of corporations for various reasons. The most important reason is that healthy employees lead to greater productivity for a company and, ultimately, more revenue. Over the...
Words: 2271 - Pages: 10
...What You Know Can Save You Health Fair Eric Hamilton Axia College University of Phoenix HCA – 250 The Psychology of Health Instructor Robbie Johnson February 28, 2010 What You Know Can Save You Health Fair The objective of this wellness program is to develop and implement a health fair and educational seminar for the warehouse, delivery, and administrative staff at the Kraft Birmingham and Montgomery sales facilities in Alabama. All employees are between the ages of 25 to 55, with an educational range of high school through college. The combination of the greater Birmingham and Montgomery metro area and the type of work performed would place this group in the middle to upper middle-class category, with a mixture of blue and white-collar individuals. This health fair and wellness educational seminar will help in these areas of daily life, increase awareness, understanding of critical health behaviors within the workplace, homes, and communities. The “What You Know Health Fair” will tap on areas of health-related challenges including • Obesity and Diabetes • Heart Disease • Substance use and abuse • Physical, mental, and social well-being Realizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and consciously making the decision to adopt one is a necessary first step toward improved health and well-being. Dedicating resources to empower employees to take an active role within their...
Words: 1283 - Pages: 6
...Employer Wellness Programs Employers have been dealing with rising health care costs for a while now, and they are beginning to penalize employees to try to motivate them to get in shape which means that employees will have to begin to pay more attention to their health than they use too. “The number of employers using penalties as part of wellness programs more than doubled from 8% in 2009 to 19% in 2010, according to a survey by human resources consulting firm Towers Watson. The survey respondents included human resources managers and benefits managers from 248 U.S. companies with at least 1,000 employees.” 38% of organizations reported that they planned on penalizing employees for their health conditions when they were asked about the health penalizations by the Towers Watson consulting firm for 2012. This information shows that the outlook will be that most, if not all employers will be adopting the health penalization idea. There are several local companies that already have various wellness programs in place that affect employees financially. Some of these are incentive based and others are penalty based. Tennessee Valley Authority has a program that is named Health Check, and it is a point system that offers a $50 incentive for the first health screening an employee completes, and up to $200 discount on the yearly cost of medical insurance fees which is paid out on an employee’s paycheck in approximately $5 installments depending on the amount of points an employee...
Words: 1335 - Pages: 6
...Jump into a New You: Employer Funded Wellness Programs * Problem The obesity epidemic is one of the country’s most serious health problems. Adult obesity rates have doubled since 1980, while childhood obesity rates have tripled. Rising obesity rates have significant health consequences, contributing to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and other serious diseased. These conditions put a major strain on the health care system and on employers as well. According to an article regarding obesity in America, a report from The trust for America’s health, Texas now has the 11th highest obesity rate in the nation (“Better Policies” par.2). Obesity rates are above 35 percent for the first time ever. As obesity rises to an all-time high in the United States, more and more employees are implementing workplace wellness programs. These programs range from simply offering information to workers, to subsidized healthy lunches, fitness education, and a company gym. I would like to propose that a gym membership be provided to all 32 employees of this company, in hopes that it will bring you lowered expenses in return in the form of better performing workers, lower absenteeism, and overall lower health care costs. Employees are the most valuable assets to any company. Here is why workplace wellness programs should matter to you. * Problem Analysis Obesity in America has been an ongoing, and widely publicized issue for years. According to the Surgeon General, nearly two out...
Words: 1403 - Pages: 6
...Health and Wellness in the Workplace Health Care costs are on the rise and present a threat to many Americans, and business corporations in the United States. Many Americans between the ages of 18 and 65 spend most of their days in the workplace. Health and wellness in the workplace is something that all businesses and major corporations should promote in the workplace to help educate employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are many factors to consider although many business owners and major corporations feel that wellness programs are pricey and may or may not be beneficial for the employees. The researcher will prove that having a worksite wellness program will be beneficial in the long run and will promote a healthier work environment. Some factors that will benefit employers by having wellness programs are lower chronic illness rate, increased productivity in employees, increase moral rate and lower health care premiums. A health and wellness program is an employer’s approach to help improve employees’ health by providing wellness programs to include activities such as company sponsored exercise and weight loss programs. Many business owners and corporations will benefits by having health and wellness programs in the workplace. Having such programs will help employees prevent workplace illnesses, injuries, reduce obesity rate, as well as the use of tobacco, and lower the absenteeism. Health care cost presents a substantial threat to the U.S. economy...
Words: 1294 - Pages: 6
...Health and wellness in the workplace Octavio Ponce COMM/112 September 18, 2012 Karen Hamilton Health and wellness in the workplace Health and wellness programs in the workplace can greatly benefit the company and their employee’s at personal and business levels. It is no surprise that a manufacturing company cannot run an efficient business without their employees being present at the job site. However, with health cost steadily keeps rising and costing the company lots of money, they cannot afford to lose employees for health reasons. Today, employers are suffering more than ever of losing money, not just because of the economy but also of their employees. Employees are being absent from work due to their poor health and lifestyles. Employers are implementing wellness programs to help employees get familiar with other options in changing their lifestyle. The question the employers should be asking is; are we doing enough to ensure the health of their workforce? The majority would simply say; they don’t know. Today, more employers are implementing wellness programs to assist their employees, who aim to better the current health status of the employee and also reducing costs to the company. Encouraging employees is a top priority to start a wellness program on the right track, it is not easy to change employee lifestyle like increasing physical activity, eating habits, reducing stress, and ceasing tobacco use (Lastowka, 2011). The link between the health of the employee...
Words: 1389 - Pages: 6
...Employee Wellness Definition & Purpose of Wellness Employee wellness refers to any workplace sponsored programs that aim to help employees, boost morale, improve health and fitness and also improve productivity in the workplace. Advantages of Employee Wellness Program * Decreased Health Care Costs Many wellness programs have been proven effective in reducing company health care costs. This is because a healthy employee means no need to claim medical cost, thus minimizing healthcare expenses for the company. * Improve Workplace Morale When employees are healthy, therefore on the whole a lot happier, this would result in the employee giving better performance in his/her work. They also understand that the company is taking measures to ensure their health and wellbeing, this breeds loyalty and responsibility in the employee. * Reduced Absenteeism It has been showed that healthier employees spend lesser days away from work due to illness; this helps the company save money on down time and temporary employment. * Reduced Overall Costs With a reduction in sick leave, absenteeism and lower health costs, these will help contribute to a high amount of reduction in overall company cost. * Enhancement of Company Image as a Caring Company When an employer implements a wellness program, it demonstrates a commitment to its employees and shows a concern for their health and fitness. This is a sought-after benefit, and it may help an organization recruit and...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
...MEMORANDUM DATE: November 29, 2010 TO: James Martin, Director of Human Resources FROM: Name, Assistant Director of Human Resources SUBJECT: Wellness Program Recommendations for Technicraft, Inc. Attached is the report on the implementation of corporate wellness programs. Due to rising health benefit costs and a rising number of health benefit claims, you requested that I investigate the implementation of corporate wellness programs as a way to reduce company costs. In order to determine whether it would be possible to improve employee health and lifestyle habits, while also cutting company costs, I analyzed the results that several companies had after launching their own wellness programs. I also considered and researched the potential disadvantages of implementing a wellness program. After a thorough investigation of all of these factors, I recommend that Technicraft, Inc. implement a corporate wellness program in order to improve employee health and productivity and reduce or stabilize company health benefit costs. I have enjoyed researching this topic and would like to meet with you to discuss my recommendation. I will call you early next week in order to schedule a meeting time or you may contact me at extension 5555. WELLNESS PROGRAM RECCOMMENDATIONS FOR TECHNICRAFT, INC. Prepared for James Martin, Director of Human Resources Technicraft, Inc. 4501 West 92nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46260 Prepared by Name, Assistant Director of Human...
Words: 7052 - Pages: 29
...couch, and a clicker”(Conlin, 2007). My Position My overview position is traditional position I believe that Organizational or Companies have the right tell employees what do on company’s time but at employees can do what they wish at the privacy of their own home. Argument # 1 Controversial Argument Corporations find new ways to save money, as Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. and other organization are banning employees from smoking, regardless of whether it is done on company or personal time. Scotts believes if you work of us you are band from certain things. Traditional Position Rebuttal Some times in a job you must bring your work home; organizations are saying you must bring their rules and regulation home. Many organizations such as Scotts is trying to control people personal life outside of work. Such organization that help employees outside of work as NWI(National Work Rights Institute), is protecting employees and their rights at home. It should not matter if you work for a certain company, employees have rights. If an organization keeps over stepping their employee’s right they eventually going to run into lawsuit which will cost the organization money and people will not want to work at that company. Controversial position Argument A “private business, large or small can legally ignore...
Words: 3437 - Pages: 14
...Proposal to Implement an Employee Wellness Program at Electronics, Inc. Deena Lampe National American University Abstract This paper is a proposal to implement an employee wellness program for the employees of Electronics, Inc. This proposal contains background on the need for, and benefits of, instituting an employee wellness program, the importance of employee wellness and productivity, and educational needs of employees to maintain health and wellness. Attracting and maintaining personnel is crucial to an organization’s success and with current trends in the labor market, retaining personnel and ensuring business stability is a continuous challenge that requires conscientious human resource management. A happy and healthy workforce facilitates productivity through wellness and physical fitness. Proposal to Implement an Employee Wellness Program at Electronics, Inc. People in the labor force, are depended upon to follow through with work commitments. A healthy employee is able to do more and feel well enough to enjoy it. With high stress jobs, increased rush hour traffic, and demanding schedules, how can employers not be concerned about the health of employees? Research shows that, to maintain a healthy lifestyle balance, one third of a 24-hour day should be for sleep, one third for work and one third for play. The trend in today’s workplace is for employees to work longer hours and as a result, when they arrive home they do not feel like exercising...
Words: 2469 - Pages: 10
...couch, and a clicker”(Conlin, 2007). My Position My overview position is traditional position I believe that Organizational or Companies have the right tell employees what do on company’s time but at employees can do what they wish at the privacy of their own home. Argument # 1 Controversial Argument Corporations find new ways to save money, as Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. and other organization are banning employees from smoking, regardless of whether it is done on company or personal time. Scotts believes if you work of us you are band from certain things. Traditional Position Rebuttal Some times in a job you must bring your work home; organizations are saying you must bring their rules and regulation home. Many organizations such as Scotts is trying to control people personal life outside of work. Such organization that help employees outside of work as NWI(National Work Rights Institute), is protecting employees and their rights at home. It should not matter if you work for a certain company, employees have rights. If an organization keeps over stepping their employee’s right they eventually going to run into lawsuit which will cost the organization money and people will not want to work at that company. Controversial position Argument A “private business, large or small can legally...
Words: 3441 - Pages: 14
...MARKETING PLAN for WELLNESS PROGRAM in: FRANKLIN COUNTY (Columbus, Ohio) HSM-430 Planning and Marketing for Health Service Organizations Instructor Jason Thompson – DeVry University Submitted by: Marsha Brofford October 11, 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS GOALS 3 OBJECTIVES 3 STRATEGIES 6 PRICE 7 REFERENCES 8 GOALS With many small business owners having difficulty paying higher insurance premiums finding ways to improve the overall health of their workforce is becoming increasing important. With over 39,000 small businesses located in Franklin County Ohio (Franklin County, Ohio, 2008) keeping employees healthy is imperative to the continued growth and success of these businesses; therefore, offering wellness programs that are specifically designed to address the health and well-being of those employed by these businesses is needed. The goal of these wellness programs is to promote and assist employees in developing healthier lifestyles, create awareness surrounding wellness issues and assist small business owners in controlling cost associated with preventable illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and respiratory diseases, which are among the top five causes of death in Franklin County from 2004-2006 (Columbus Public Health Office of Assessment and Survillence, 2005). The Department of Health and Human Services reports that 75 percent of health-care costs are spent on chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and adult onset diabetes...
Words: 1685 - Pages: 7
...Demographic Paper HCS/490 University of Phoenix Pam Rodriguez This paper will discuss the demographic that is being targeted which is breast cancer and who are the patients that are most at risks and what the changes that need to be done in healthcare that will help patients that are diagnosed with breast cancer. The paper will also discuss the general impact that changing demographics may have on the health care market as well as why and how changes in the demographics of the breast cancer population affect healthcare. The paper will discuss two key health care related challenges to the breast cancer population such as increases in healthcare costs, increases in prescription drug cost, or the need for in home medical care. The paper will also discuss how a chronic disease wellness program may affect the costs for breast cancer patients. The paper will also discuss what the breast cancer demographics tell us about marketing needs or services needed. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women and continues to grow but with the new treatments and discoveries in treatment it is getting easier and easier to be diagnosed but one of the key things with breast cancer is awareness. What makes breast cancer so difficult is because the causes are not fully known but there are some facts of the disease and that is anyone can get breast cancer, the older the women is the more likely they are to get breast cancer, young women can get breast cancer to even in their...
Words: 1163 - Pages: 5
...benefit the firm. Zachary Evans, Vice President of Operations, is thinking to shutdown Fitness Center to reduce costs. Joseph Mirola has to send a memo to Zach pursuing him to change his mind about Fitness Center. Situational Analysis: 1) As the new headquarters of the Rocky Mountain Mutual was built in a remote suburban area, Fitness Center would be a major attraction for the people joining the organization. 2) The Fitness Center was aimed at luring young into the organization and closing it down may rise dissatisfaction among young employees. 3) Growing Corporate Information Systems Department needs space to accommodate it and this cannot be ignored. Problem Statement: 1) The core problem in front of us is saving Fitness center from closing down without increasing cost to the company (if possible reduce the costs) and at the same time providing space to accommodate growing Corporate Information Systems Department. Options: 1) Closing Fitness Center 2) Dividing the present Fitness Center such that the space accommodates both Fitness Center and Corporate Information Systems 3) Cutting down staff of Fitness Center 4) Wellness program in all the departments and considering other options for the growing Corporate Information Systems Department Criteria: 1) Saving the Fitness Center from closing down 2) Don’t increase cost to company 3) Need space for the growing department,...
Words: 1056 - Pages: 5
...Lawsuits Success Wellness will be pro-active in preventing lawsuits from happening. All federal and state laws will be followed in the manufacturing, advertising, and selling of monitors. Success Wellness will employ a full time staff of legally astute managers and skilled business litigators. The legally astute managers will comprehend and actively manage the legal section of the business to protect it from lawsuits and assure that the business complies with federal, state and local laws (Bagley & Savage, 2010). Alternative dispute resolution clauses will be incorporated into all of Success Wellness’ business contracts. The legally astute managers will work alongside our corporate lawyers to ensure that Success Wellness is protected from possible lawsuits. Lawsuits will be avoided at all costs. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) In the unlikely event that Success Wellness is involved in a dispute with another party, it will use alternative dispute resolution techniques to resolve disputes. Alternative dispute resolutions (ADR) are methods used by companies to resolve disputes without taking the matter to court. There are many different types of ADR programs that are available; however, the three basic types are arbitration, mediation and negotiation. Federal and state governments encourage using ADR programs to promote settlements and avoid matters going to court (Bagley & Savage, 2010, p. 85). Benefits of ADR. There are many benefits to using alternative dispute...
Words: 665 - Pages: 3
