A workplace wellness program encourages employees to take steps to prevent the onset or worsening of a health condition, eliminate unhealthy behaviors and habits, and promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles. The need for Wellness Programs Studies show that chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity, account for three-quarters of health costs -- and that the typical American diet is responsible for most of the preventable diseases, including 91 percent of diabetes, 82 percent of heart disease, and 71 percent of colon cancer.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, almost two-thirds of the population is overweight, with more than a third identified as clinically obese -- and the numbers are rising. Furthermore, according to a study by the University of Michigan, overweight and obese people on average incur up to $1,500 more in annual medical bills than people at healthier weights -- as being overweight reportedly greatly increases the chances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, gall bladder disorders, some types of cancer, and other maladies.

Benefits for Workers

For many workers, the encouragement of wellness can lead to better physical health, greater job satisfaction, and a more positive mental outlook. Studies also show wellness programs result in fewer workplace injuries. Other benefits include increased stamina, lower levels of stress, and a better self-image and higher self-esteem. Because we spend more and more time at work than any other place, finding the time to exercise or focus on wellness outside of work makes it harder to do; thus participating in a wellness program gives workers a chance to get healthier while not increasing the financial burden on the family.

Benefits for Employers

According to the Cornell University Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, employers can save between $300 and $450 annually per employee as a result of reduced health expenditures from an annual wellness investment of $100 to $150 per employee. Some would say that an even bigger benefit than the costs savings to both employers and workers is that a workplace wellness program increases the (mental and physical) health and morale of employees, resulting in increased productivity and reduced absenteeism and turnover, higher job satisfaction, and short-term disability claims. In fact, a recent study showed that corporate fitness center participants had 1.3 days fewer short-term disability claims yearly per employee than non-participants and had fewer health risks. In addition to the cost savings and increased productivity, studies have found that employees are more loyal to organizations that establish wellness programs -- and that adding a wellness program strengthens the organization's values and corporate culture. Finally, a high quality fitness and wellness program is an employee recruitment and retention tool.