Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program Starter Kit

Thank you for the interest in starting the Active Southern West Virginia Workplace Wellness program at your place of employment. You are probably curious to learn more about the Why, How, Who, What, and When of the program. Let’s go through each of those to give you the tools to share with your wellness committee (who?), supervisors, and staff.

Why:

There are many benefits to improving the work environment towards healthier policies and practices. Here are some statistics from Audrey Tillman EVP Corporate Sales, Aflac;

http://www.theihcc.com/en/media_center/editors_picks/the-impact-of-wellness-programs-on-america%E2%80%99s-workf_h2jeegra.html

The indirect costs of poor health, such as an absence from work and reduced work productivity, can result in two or three times the amount of direct medical costs.

One-fourth of health care costs incurred by working adults are attributed to changeable health risks, such as tobacco use, diet, and lack of exercise.

A comprehensive analysis of 42 published studies of work-site health promotion programs showed that companies that implemented an effective wellness program realized significant cost reductions and financial gains, including:

                An average of 28 percent reduction in sick days

                An average of 26 percent reduction in health costs

                An average of 30 percent reduction in workers’ compensation and disability                                                  management claims

                An average $5.93 to $1 savings-to-cost ratio.

Nearly seven out of 10 employees (69 percent) would participate in wellness programs if provided by their companies.

In order for companies to be effective in the implementation of a successful wellness environment, all company leaders should be relentless in their efforts.