Workplace Wellness Programs in a Depressed Economy

Workplace Wellness Programs and Health Care Costs 

Workplace Wellness Programs are more important now than ever.  According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, with the troubles in the economy it seems that the costs of business offered medical care keep continuing to grow and it doesn’t seem like it is going to change.  The article states that during the year 2008, American businesses can expect to see an increase of 10% in medical care costs. 

This increase in medical care costs is causing some small businesses to reduce their worker health benefits or get rid of them altogether. 

Workplace Wellness Programs for Healthier Lifestyles 

Workplace Wellness Programs do offer an option for small businesses.  The corporations can offer discounted co-pays and deductibles to those staff members that fully participate in the offered Workplace Wellness Program.  Full participation means getting health screens, receiving a health risk assessment, and then working with their wellness coordinator to work towards a healthier lifestyle. 

The healthier the staff members, the reduce the overall medical care costs for the corporation.  Just one lengthy hospital stay can almost deplete a small business’ medical care budget. 

Workplace Wellness Programs and Your Bottom Line 

Workplace Wellness Programs offer many advantages to a organization’s bottom-line. Workplace Wellness Program Statistics from Prudential Insurance show a benefit expense of $312 per individual enrolled in a Workplace Wellness Program compared to an expense of $574 per worker that wasn’t enrolled.  Coors Brewing Company showed a positive side-effect of participant absenteeism dropping by 18%, thus greater production and less medical care costs overall.