Benefits

Studies show that companies experience an average SAVINGS of $3.35 on medical care costs and $4.90 on absenteeism and decreased productivity for every dollar they invest in a comprehensive wellness program.

On the Run Fitness Corporate Wellness Programs have proven both quantitative and qualitative benefits. Both your staff and your finances can achieve positive results with a comprehensive program. Since 1985, hundreds of studies on the financial impact of workplace health programs have been conducted. Methodologies and quality of studies have continuously improved. Analysts conclusively agree there is now clear evidence that health promotion is a good business investment. (Source: Aldana, S. 1998. The Art of Health Promotion.)

On average, an overweight employee costs a company between $500 and $2500 more than an employee of average weight. With 66% of the country overweight, the financial implications are staggering.

American Industry loses $32 billion and 132 million work days every year because of employees' premature deaths that are associated with cardio-vascular disease (high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and obesity). Billions more are lost through lowered productivity as a result of sickness and disability. The National Safety Council stated that in 2002 backaches alone cost industry over $1.2 billion in production and services, and $275 million more in workers compensation.

A survey of 1300 graduate business students revealed that 77% of them preferred to work for a company that provided an employee fitness center and 71% said it would influence their decision if they had to choose between two identical job offers. It is clear that competing for employees solely via salaries is no longer effective. Fitness and Wellness programs are a highly visible and personally valued benefit that can be used as a cost effective means to differentiate your firm.

Estimating the Impact of Obesity on Industry

A recent analysis of over 80,000 workers shows that the “normal weight individual” made up about 33% of the workforce in 2000 and only 24% in 2005. The trend analysis predicts that by 2010, that number will drop to just 16%. Research studies concluded that obese individuals added $1,492 to a company’s healthcare expenses in 2005. Research published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine in December 2005 shows that the obese worker cost a company an additional $377 per year in lost productivity time.

Welcoa (Wellness Councils of America) reports that a single risk factor costs a company $1000 per year.

The bottom line: You will almost certainly be hiring overweight associates—men and women with more medical demands and higher costs—in the future. One of the best ways you can help keep your costs down and improve their lives is to implement an effective wellness program that will be fun and easy to stick to! Call us today to get started!