health articles business management businesses Marketing sales Technology Business finance Lean Manufacturing small business Investing articles employee health

How to promote wellness and fitness at work

biking39057724.jpgJust about every employer is beginning to understand that costs and benefits of promoting employee health. With health care costs on a continual rise, employers are looking for ways to make their workforce healthier. Approximately 50% of companies are reporting that the health care costs, for their employees are having a significant effect on their profitability. It has become good business sense to focus an effort, on improving the health of the employees who work for you.

In years past, in order to combat the rising costs of health care employers have resorted to increasing employee contributions or deductibles, or both. This is no longer enough to keep up with rising health care costs. When the economy was flourishing, there were many businesses that could cover all or least the majority of health care costs, for their employees. With the economic downturn of the last few years, companies have begun shifting the majority of financial responsibility, for health insurance back to their employees. It is important to understand that this is not an isolated incident. Financial analysts have reported that they expect health care costs to continue rising for at least the next ten years.

This has lead to the importance of employee health. Employers have begun to realize that sick employees are costing them big money. Worse yet, studies show that most of the highest cost problems are also the most preventable. Because of this employers have begun to invest in their employees. Studies show that for every one dollar that is spent on an employee in a wellness program, the employer can then gain three dollars in return with a healthier and more productive employee. Best of all it improving employee wellness does not require an extensive budget and other resources. There are simple steps that employers can take to move their company in the direction of wellness. Here is what you need to know about how to promote wellness and fitness at work-

  • Get your employees moving-Studies show that walking only mile a day can reduce the risk of heart disease by approximately 80%. If your company can not put in an onsite gym, then offering gym reimbursement, can be a good alternative. In addition, many companies are offering walking or biking paths around their facility. Another way to help facilitate exercise is to have showers and dressing rooms, for employees who want to run or bike to work. Educate your employees to understand that exercise is one of the best things they can do for themselves. Exercise will increase strength and flexibility, boost energy, trigger the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), improve sleep, reduce weight, and enhance mood.

  • Offer flu shots-It is now recommended that everyone get a flu shot. You can help promote wellness in your company, by having the vaccinations take place in a conference room.

  • Offer a weight management program-Studies have shown that losing only 10 pounds can lower the risk of high blood pressure, bring diabetes under control and prevent a host of other costly health problems as well.

  • Create a culture of wellness and fitness-Many time's people overlook the obvious ways they can get moving and improve their health. Some of these are-

1. Offer healthier choices in the company cafeteria and vending machines. People will rarely go out of their way to get unhealthy foods, if a more nutritional choice is readily available.
2. Encourage your employees to take the stairs, deliver documents by hand, or even wear a pedometer to keep track of their steps.
3. Move the parking garage or parking area, so that employees need to walk from their cars into work.
4. Offer rewards for those who are following through with fitness and wellness goals. There is a lot to be said for some external motivation.

FREE: Get More Leads!
How To Get More LeadsSubscribe to our free newsletter and get our "How To Get More Leads" course free via email. Just enter your first name and email address below to subscribe.
First Name *
Email *


Get More Business Info
Sponsored Links
Recent Articles

Categories

Copyright 2003-2020 by BusinessKnowledgeSource.com - All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy, Terms of Use