Wellness Plans that Work!

A recent study showed that health care costs rose at a 15 percent slower rate for employees who participated in a wellness program, compared to employees who didn't. This study, conducted by Highmark, Inc. and published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, surveyed employers who consistently provided a wellness program over a span of four years, and found a significant health care cost savings.

Wellness plans aren't just for larger organizations any more. They can improve the health and wellbeing of your staff, while cutting costs on your group's benefits plan. Some ideas include:

  • Create a wellness committee consisting of various employees to lead the effort. Start with simple activities, such as healthy eating days and lunchtime walks.
  • Make yourworkplace smoke-free.
  • Offer on-site flu shots for free or at a reduced cost.
  • Provide healthy vending machine choices.
  • Provide physical activity breaks during the day for your employees and encourage them to go outside for a quick run or walk. Encourage taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Offer increased benefits contributions for those employees who choose to participate in your wellness program.

Your benefits broker can help you implement an easy to run Wellness Program that may have a big impact on your rates. For more ideas on wellness plans that work and assistance in setting them up, contact Chapman at 800-288-3095 or via e-mail at info@chapmanins.com.