Employees are a business’ most important asset, so it stands to reason that leaders would want to ensure the people working on the front lines are healthy in their bodies and their minds. Wellness programs are not a new concept, but as more companies realize the benefits of investing in the wellbeing of their workforce, employee wellness initiatives play a much bigger role in everything from recruitment and retention to overall profitability.
According to the 2016 Aflac Workforces Report:
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55% are somewhat likely to accept a job with lower pay, if offered better benefits
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53% would participate in a workplace exercise program if it lowered their health insurance cost
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36% say better benefits packages would encourage them to keep their current jobs
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15% have quit or declined a position due to the benefits
More facts on why you should create a wellness program
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Studies show that well-designed wellness programs have a return on investment of $1.50 to $3 per dollar spent over a two- to nine-year timeframe
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In a survey, more than 60 percent of employers said workplace wellness programs reduced their organizations’ healthcare costs
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Employees who scored low on “life satisfaction” stayed home from work 1.25 more days per month than those with higher scores, adding up to about 15 additional days off per year
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Top two chronic health conditions driving health-related costs for employers were depression and obesity, research showed
