Employee Wellness Programs are Long-Term Investments

Benefits from wellness programs are being recognized throughout the U.S. and businesses are using these programs to help curb skyrocketing healthcare costs. But, there are certain aspects involved in implementing successful employee wellness initiatives.

The wellness program launching strategy, as well as its long-term maintenance and support is essential to an effective and successful program.

A recently published white paper published by the 2010 UBA Employer Opinion Survey demonstrates that 99.4 percent of business leaders take corporate healthcare costs into account. And of the respondents, 86.6 percent realize the significance these costs have on employees.

“The ability of employers to afford their health care benefits has become more of a factor this year than in our last survey, affecting 44 percent of employers,” explained vice president of member services and surveys for UBA, Bill Stafford.

Deenie Robertson, an executive health consultant, notes that when clients face burdening healthcare increases, something has to be done. , “When clients experience a substantial increase in premiums, they recognize that they need to do something.” She adds, “When they feel they cannot continue to increase premiums and need to consider new ways to keep costs down, they turn to wellness.”

Businesses need to keep in mind that while wellness programs have the potential to help curb healthcare costs, enhance employee morale, and productivity, they are not an overnight wonder; these programs should be thought of as effective long-term investments.