Studies show that employees involved in fitness programs within the workplace feel better, have fewer accidents and injuries, less incidence of illness and disease and more stamina. They lose weight, sleep better and have a greater degree of enjoyment of family, friends and leisure. In addition they handle stress and negative emotion more effectively, have increased job satisfaction and a greater general purpose in life.
A study undertaken in November 2001 by Atlantic Blue Cross Care, Aventis Pharma and the Atlantic Health and Wellness Institute, report the cost-benefit as a return of $1.64 for every dollar spent on improving the health of employees through comprehensive workplace wellness programs. Participants with higher risk factors offer a return of $2.04 for every dollar spent. For smokers the return is $3.35 for every dollar spent, and for blue-collar workers the return is $3.98.
We're seeing an increase in health care costs and in benefit claims and this is costing companies money. We're also seeing more stress in the workplace. Stressed employees aren't as productive and this also has a cost. As a result, employers see Corporate Fitness as a way to prevent health issues which will reduce claims, make for healthier employees and will save the company money. Overall employers are realizing the link between prevention and investing in the health of their staff, to the bottom line and the overall health and success of their companies. In the long run, Corporate Fitness programs save the company money.
Corporate Fitness and Wellness:
A Necessity for Financial Health
by David Spindel, M.S., C.P.F.T.
In a world where health care costs are taking an increasing bite into corporate profits, implementation of programs that yield a reduction in these costs, or at least contain them, are no longer elective, but rather a necessary consideration for a financially prudent organization. A well designed wellness/fitness program with a strong nutritional and fitness lifestyle emphasis will directly meet this need.
Management's goal in a productive wellness program must be viewed through the perspective of increased employee productivity, improved employee morale with respect to their relationship to the organization, decreased utilization of employer subsidized health benefits, and decreased employee absenteeism due to health related causes. Obviously, an improvement in any of these will have a positive impact in the financial status of the organization. The benefit from the employee's standpoint is improved health and energy levels, decreased bodyfat, and a more youthful, fit body. In the section titled Corporate Fitness Makes a Bottom Line Impact, I have discussed some notable corporate examples of some of the benefits that a well designed fitness program will bring to the organization.
The most productive way to achieve both management's, as well as the employee's, goals is through a program that will provide the individual employee with an awareness of their current physical condition, the benefits of attaining a "more fit" lifestyle, a plan that will permit them to achieve the necessary changes to their physical condition that can be readily applied in the context of their life, and a tracking system that will provide constructive feedback.
Corporate Fitness Makes a Bottom Line Impact
Reduced Absenteeism - Dupont reduced absenteeism by 47.5% over six years for the corporate fitness program participants. Health Behavior, March 1992.
Reduced Health Care Costs - Steelcase showed that medical claims costs were 55% lower for corporate fitness program participants than non-participants over a six year period - an average of $478.61 for participants vs. $868.88 for non-participants. The Am. Journal of Health Promotion, September/October, 1991.
Reduced Turnover - The Canadian Life Assurance Company found turnover among fitness program participants was 32.4% lower over a seven year period compared with non-participants. Canadian Journal of Public Health, January/February, 1988.
Positive Return on Investment - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Indiana found that its corporate fitness program had a 250% return on investment; $2.51 for every $1 invested over a five year period. American Journal of Health Promotion, March/April, 1991.
Sick Leave Use Reduced - The Travelers Corporation reported that its health promotion yielded a 19% reduction in sick leave use over the four year study with a $3.40 return for every dollar spent, yielding a total corporate savings of $146 million in benefits costs. Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA), 1992.
Lower Health Care Expenditures - Superior Coffee and Foods, a subsidiary of Sara Lee reports that the wellness program for its 1200 employees showed 22% fewer hospital admissions, 29% shorter hospital stays, and 42% lower expenses per admission when compared to other divisions. Long term disability costs were down by 40%. Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA), 1992.
The volume of data to support the benefits with respect to organizations that have initiated corporate fitness programs is overwhelming. When viewed from a cost benefit standpoint, an effective fitness program will always handsomely reward the organization as well as the individual participants.
