Fri 09|10|10

Got wellness?

Submitted by The City Wire staff on Thu, 01/21/2010 - 9:38am.

A survey released by the Principal Financial Group indicates that 45% of Americans working at small to medium-sized companies would stay at their jobs longer because of employer-sponsored wellness programs

The Principal Financial Well-Being Index, conducted by Harris Interactive, also found that as a result of workplace wellness programs, 40% of workers say they are encouraged to work harder and perform better and 26% miss fewer days of work by participating in such programs.

Harris conducted the survey between Oct. 20-30, among 1,120 employees and 602 retirees.

“Wellness programs are clearly a win-win, especially at a time when employers and their employees are more budget conscious,” Lee Dukes, president of Principal Wellness Company, noted in a statement. “Employers benefit by retaining top talent, energizing their employees and reducing the number of sick days. Employees benefit from improved physical health, reduced stress in the workplace and the financial benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

SURVEY FINDINGS
• As in previous years, 51 percent of workers believe wellness programs are very or somewhat successful in reducing health care costs.

• While not all employers offer wellness programs, 47% of workers surveyed would participate or do participate in wellness programs to achieve better overall physical health.

• Reasons for participation include: Reduced personal health care costs (30%); Greater chance of living longer and healthier lives (30%); Receiving employer incentives for participation (28%); and, Reduced stress (28%).

• Most workers are interested in wellness programs that improve their physical fitness, with 27% saying they would like in-office fitness facilities, 23% citing fitness center discounts and 19% expressing interest in weight management programs.

• More workers (15%) have access to fitness facilities in fourth quarter 2009 compared to 11% in fourth quarter 2008.

• Significantly more workers, 34%, expect their medical plan options to change in 2010 compared with only 23% in 2009.