The Most Cost-Effective Way to Reduce Absenteeism, Increase Productivity, and Increase Revenue!

Some of the largest companies in the US estimate direct payroll costs of employee absenteeism equals more than $760,000 each year. To be fair, not all of those calling in sick are actually sick but enough to make a significant impact on your bottom line.

In a survey done by CCH Incorporated, implementing "Work-Life" programs greatly benefited attendance and morale. Of the companies who participated in these programs, 60% reported incorporating "wellness" as an effective solution.

What exactly does "wellness" mean you may ask? It means placing more emphasis on prevention of illness and optimizing health. I see health as a continuum, not merely the absence of disease, where pro-activity (good nutrition, exercise, and self-care) leads you farther and farther from disease.

When your employees are healthy they cost you less, not only in improved productivity and less absenteeism, but also in health insurance, worker's compensation claims, and disability claims. To top it all off wellness improves morale and employee satisfaction and therefore will increase retention rates, a huge financial benefit for any company.

Still not convinced? A survey published by "The Art of Health Promotion" reported that wellness programs reduced medical costs and absenteeism by 30% in 4 years. The Wellness Council of America's research shows a $24 return for every $1 spent on wellness in the workplace.

No matter the size of your business, you can make wellness a priority in your workplace! 

What does a Wellness program look like? Here are some ideas:

• Survey your employees to find out what health programs they are interested in.
• Negotiate a group rate at a nearby gym.
• Schedule brown bag lunches on health topics. Many health professionals that specialize in prevention and wellness will do informal talks for free.
• Schedule times for health counselors, Nutritionists, Chiropractors, Naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, etc. to be on hand for appointments or consultations.
• Some larger companies hold on-site health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and bone density evaluations. 
• Consider offering discounts, benefits, or rewards for employees who participate in smoking cessation or weight-loss programs.
• Subscribe to a wellness magazine such as "Natural Health" or "Dr. Andrew Weil's Self-Healing".
• Offer a Health Savings Account for employees to put money into tax-free for wellness expenses not covered by insurance.
• Sponsor and participate in community events such as walks, runs, or seminars on health topics.

Amazingly, most of the above ideas are free or very low cost. This is great news in a challenging economy where business owners are searching for solutions to increase profit but decrease expenditures. 

Implementing a wellness program in the workplace will increase productivity, morale, and employee health! This will result in reducing financial loss as well as impacting the health of our community as a whole.

Let's face it, health insurance and the current medical system does not make it easy to reach for optimal health. Small and large companies alike can be part of the solution. We can do it - yes we can!

Several worksite wellness plans are available free of charge as well as literature, posters, brochures, and a library of resources at www.wellnessproposals.com. 

For even more information visit the Wellness Council of America's website; www.welcoa.org.