Worksite Wellness Programs in a Down Economy
Worksite Wellness Programs and Healthcare Costs
Worksite 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 organization offered health care keep continuing to grow and it doesn’t seem like it is going to change. The article states that during the year 2008, United States companies can expect to see an increase of 10% in health care costs.
This increase in health care costs is causing some small companies to reduce their worker health benefits or get rid of them altogether.
Worksite Wellness Programs for Healthier Lifestyles
Worksite Wellness Programs do provide an option for small companies. The corporations can provide discounted co-pays and deductibles to those staff members that fully participate in the offered Worksite 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 lower the overall health care costs for the corporation. Just one lengthy hospital stay can almost deplete a small business’ health care budget.
Worksite Wellness Programs and Your Bottom Line
Worksite Wellness Programs provide many advantages to a corporation’s bottom-line. Worksite Wellness Program Statistics from Prudential Insurance show a benefit expense of $312 per person enrolled in a Worksite 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 health care costs overall.