The cost of employee health problems

Many employers underestimate the impact of having unhealthy employees. They are often surprised to learn that the cost of lost productivity on the job far exceeds the cost of medical care for their workers. The interesting piece is that a majority of the costs attributed to unhealthy employees comes from their lifestyle choices such as smoking, obesity, and stress.

Research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that private industry employees rack up over 4.1 million cases of workplace injuries and illnesses. 2.1 million resulted in lost days of work, job transfers or times of restricted or light duties.

The increased prevalence of life-style related problems such as obesity have produced studies showing that almost 75 percent of the nation's health care costs are due to preventable behaviors such as smoking and weight. Employers realize that healthier employees have a positive outcome on the budget, productivity and the mental output of their staff.

Based on several studies, two thirds of American adults are over weight and those extra pounds have employees costing their employers more money. Obese employees may be more likely to take sick days and, annually have cost their employers an estimated $45 billion in lost work time, medical costs and over twice the amount of workman's compensation claims as healthy individuals.

Weight increases the risk for over 50 different health problems ranging from depression, back pain, respiratory issues and the national leading causes of death, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.

A new trend moving through the businesses in the U.S. mandates how insurance costs are regulated for employees. In Alabama, a new program aimed at getting its government employees into shape is opening the eyes of companies all over the nation.

In 2010 Alabama state workers will receive free health screenings. If the results show obesity-related issues, they will have one year to improve their health conditions or will see a significant increase in their insurance premiums come 2011. The program is meant to positively focus on helping employees overcome health barriers through free visits to counselors, physicians and offerings of health based programs.

And still, the leading cause of preventable death in America, annually costing U.S. businesses over $80 in lost productivity and $96 billion in medical diseases is smoking. Smoking related deaths account for approximately 400,000 each year and the illnesses that accompany smoking, such as emphysema, asthma, pneumonia and problems like lung cancer and heart disease are well for inhibiting people's ability to stay active, work regularly and stay mentally focused on their daily tasks.

According to one study, the average monthly cost for health insurance for a 44 year old non-smoker is $292. That same insurance costs $338 for a 44 year old smoker. The difference is measurable and employers are starting to take notice.

This additional cost for employers who are already struggling to maintain a sound bottom line in an aching economy is difficult to swallow and that's why we are starting to see businesses take the challenge head on. In order to accomplish this in a more positive way, many companies have developed in-house wellness programs to help them cope with the changing societal tides.

While the programs are becoming more common place, so are the penalties for not participating in offered programs. Many companies have extended a one year request for employees to stop smoking, lose weight and increase healthy lifestyles and those who do not meet their objective could be vulnerable to extra charges on their insurance, less pay and possibly even being fired from their position. As harsh as it seems, most of these companies also offer cessation programs and incentives for their employees to quit and give a decent amount of time for smokers to meet their goals.

While it used to be considered the individual's place to make sure they stayed healthy, many employers are now protecting and preventing within, giving clear messages to their employees about how to get healthy and stay that way so they can proactively maintain a healthy, happy workplace.