What are the real benefits of a corporate wellness program? Traditionally, many businesses have looked at their wellness programs as a secondary concern compared to their main business goals, a way to help out employees and encourage them to live healthier lives, and not much else. But recent studies examining the long-term effects of employee wellness programs have many managers and HR representatives paying attention and reconsidering the amount of attention they give their health awareness efforts.
According to a recent study, Johnson & Johnson's employee health initiatives have had a profound positive impact on the company's overall culture and health:
- Between 1995 and 2010, the number of Johnson & Johnson employees who smoke declined by two thirds.
- During the same time period, the number of company employees suffering from high blood pressure and physical inactivity also declined by more than 50%.
- Company leaders estimate that wellness programs saved the company $250 million on healthcare related costs during the past decade.
- Between 2002 and 2008, the company saw a return of $2.71 for every dollar spent on employee wellness programs.
In other words, investing in programs aiming to maintain employee's physical, mental, and emotional health saved the company far more than it invested in those programs. It's long been known that healthier employees get more work done and cost their employers less money, but seeing the actual amounts that companies save through employee wellness initiatives provides inarguable proof of just how much good corporate health programs can do for employees and businesses.
To learn more about Wellsource's employee health programs, contact us today at (800) 533-9355.
