Work-based health promotion has strong positive financial impact
Financial impact of a comprehensive multisite workplace health promotion program. Aldana SG, Merrill RM, Price K, Hardy A, Hager R. Prev Med. 2005. 40: 131-137.
Aim
To determine the impact of wellness programmes on employee healthcare costs and absence rates.
Looked at
6,246 employees and retirees of the Nevada School District who had the opportunity to participate in a wellness programme via the internet and email.
How?
Absenteeism and healthcare cost claims between 2001 and 2002 for those who did and did not participate were compared.
Results
- programme participation was estimated to be associated with US$3 million lower absenteeism costs during 2001 and 2002 compared with nonparticipation.
-
For every $1 invested in the wellness programme, $15.6 was saved.
Wellness participation
Average days missed per participant
per year
None
15.4
One year (n = 1,407)
15.1
Two years (n = 1,264)
14.3
What does this mean?
Improvement of health risks through voluntary work-based health promotion programmes can yield beneficial financial returns for employers.