Workplace Wellness Programs for Small Organizations

Studies suggest that for every $1 invested in Workplace Wellness Programs, a company saves $3 to $5 in health and safety costs. Corporations that invest in Workplace Wellness Programs reap the financial incentives through savings on medical care costs, disability pay, rates of absenteeism, turnover and safety problems. 

worksites have already proven to be a great place to promote wellness. After all, people spend more time at work than doing anything else. Eighty-two percent of the United States population is linked in some way to a worksite. Therefore, providing Workplace Wellness Programs is a great way to reach a substantial number of people in your area. 

Workplace Wellness Programs in Small Organizations 

Unlike large businesses, small businesses frequently lack the resources to provide Workplace Wellness Programs to their workers. However, they may be the most in need of such services. Small businesses are the hardest hit by health insurance costs and have the highest rates of substance abuse. Worker well-being and physical or mental illness can also be more disruptive in a small business environment. Workplace Wellness Programs in small businesses also makes sense because small firms employ the majority of working citizens. 

Regardless of the size of a business, Workplace Wellness Programs can pay. Statistically, even if there are only 100 people in a company: 

• 60 sit all day to do their work

• 50 don’t wear their safety belts regularly

• 50 feel they’re under moderate stress

• 35 are overweight by 20 percent or more

• 30 smoke

• 27 have cardiovascular disease

• 25 or more have high cholesterol (over 200 mg/dl)

• 10 are heavy drinkers

• 10 have high blood pressure

• 5 have diagnosed diabetes and another 5 have undiagnosed diabetes

• 7 use marijuana

• 1 uses cocaine 

Bottom Line Workplace Wellness Program Benefits 

At least one quarter of the medical care costs incurred by working adults can be attributed to modifiable health risks (e.g., diet, exercise, tobacco use, etc.) Fortunately, there is a way to hold back the trend. Growing research links an individual’s lifestyle behaviors to their health risk. 

The good news is Workplace Wellness Programs can: 

• Lower medical care costs

• Lower workers’ compensation claims

• Lower worker rates of absenteeism

• Increase worker productivity

• Improve worker morale 

The bottom line is that Workplace Wellness Programs can benefit any size business — small or large.