The health care industry is changing. Speculation as to the long-term implication of these changes is rampant, but no one can say for sure what the future holds. The one thing that we can say for sure is that the healthier we are, the less we spend on healthcare in the long run.
Due to the possible benefits of wellness programs, it is no surprise that company-wide wellness programs have become common in the last twenty years. Research has shown that participation in wellness programs increases job satisfaction and decreases employee absenteeism (see this 2008 study) and reduces employee medical costs over time (see this 2010 study). Many wellness programs require a significant investment up front by employers and even though they may not see a return on their investment immediately, they typically see a return in the long run. In the end employers are faced with lower replacement costs for absent employees and more candidates attracted to their company workforce.
Although the costs for wellness programs are front heavy and often prevent small businesses from joining in, the cost does not have to stop businesses from making a few changes to improve employee wellness. Below are a few of our favorite examples of companies who have implemented successful wellness programs regardless of company size:
AnswerLab
A small website research company with only about 40 employees, AnswerLab makes health and wellness a breeze. A few of the many benefits include: frequent office fresh fruit deliveries, free gym memberships and FitBit fitness trackers, optional participation in company-wide fitness challenges, and even special “walk-n-talk” meetings. With a few of these little perks it is no surprise that AnswerLab has been ranked twice in Fortune magazine as one of the best places to work for both small and medium sized businesses.
Angie’s List
Who doesn’t want to make extra money for being healthy? The 1400 employees at Angie’s List have the chance to receive up to $300 worth of financial rewards by participating in fitness, financial, and nutrition classes on site. Plus employees are rewarded an incredible $1,000 bonus to give up smoking for good. With an on-site gym available to employees and their families along with in-office annual health screenings and flu shots, staying healthy is truly convenient. Plus, if you’ve always wanted to grow your own vegetable and herb garden but you aren’t sure how, they keep a special garden on the premises just to show you how.
CHG Healthcare Services
This healthcare staffing company made of almost 1700 employees, offers immediate healthcare savings to their healthy workforce. Employees see an automatic reduction to their healthcare costs through a point system that awards employees based on healthy activities like leading a tobacco free life, being healthy at free in-office health screenings, participating in company weight loss competitions, and many more. Aside from this they offer free health coaching on health topics like weight loss, stress management, etc. and they have free medical clinics on location for employees and their families.
We could go on and on with a long list of businesses of all sizes that have done amazing things to promote wellness within their company. Making a few simple changes within the workplace can really make a difference. Why not kick off a new wellness campaign with a few fitness branded gifts for participants? Below are a few ideas for some great gift options.
