Why is wellness important?  What are the health care costs?
Employee health affects more than just medical costs.  A healthy workforce is a more productive workforce.  Did you know that between 70 to 90 percent of health care spending is caused by preventable risks and unhealthy behaviors?¹   These choices often lead to chronic diseases, costing businesses more than one trillion dollars in lost productivity.²   This means that promoting healthier behaviors by investing in wellness and disease management programs can really pay off! 

Does wellness work?  What are the benefits and savings of investing in wellness programs?
Implementing an effective wellness strategy - one that reduces claim costs, increases productivity, reduces absenteeism, and improves overall employee outcomes - can really benefit your employees, as well as, your organization.  In some cases, employers can expect a return on investment of three to one for every dollar spent on wellness.³

Employers play an important role
Changing our behavior is ultimately up to each of us as individuals.  However, as an employer, you have a tremendous opportunity to help your employees see the value of adopting healthier behaviors so they can live healthier lives.

Your workplace culture sets the tone for your employees. A supportive work environment, where managers reinforce your wellness strategy, can keep employees motivated and engaged. 

Wellness and incentive programs can be used to drive and reinforce healthy behaviors, bringing benefits to you, to the employee, and to the community.

¹ Health Care Statistics, Prevent Disease.com, 2006
² "An Unhealthy America: The Economic Burden of Chronic Disease," The Milken Institute, October 2007
³ Healthcare Cost Trends for 2008, PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2008