Case Studies
GE, an analysis of GE aircraft indicated that medical claims submitted by the company’s fitness center members decreased by 27%, while claims made by non members actually rose 17%. Source: Worksite Health Promotion Economics.
According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), over 93% of employers have programs in place that promote employee health. In terms of medical claims, the American Journal of Health Promotion found that physically active employees are $391 less expensive than inactive workers each year. In addition, studies by the International Fitness Club Network point out that the results of employee wellness and fitness programs commonly show a 100% to 300% return on investment in just five years. Other benefits of employees who are frequent exercisers include reduced employee turnover and higher job-satisfaction scores.
The Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey showed that workers who exercise miss 40% fewer workdays than those who do not. Source: American Journal of Health Promotion
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report revealed that at work-sites with physical activity programs, employers have reduced short-term sick leave by six to 32 percent. Wellness Programs have had a lasting impact on the cost of sick leave. Through education, training regimes and lifestyle management these types of programs have considerably reduced the cost of sick leave.
A study by the Saatchi & Saatichi advertising agency revealed that 63% of employees enrolled in the company’s fitness program believed that it improved their productivity; 75% said it boosted their morale. Source: Good Health, Good Business, Johnson & Johnson.
A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report revealed that at worksites with physical activity programs, employers have increased productivity by two to 52 percent. The main aim of an Employee Wellness Program is to encourage employees to lead healthier lifestyles. This is affected through education, incentives and health care directed by the company and the Wellness Program. It is proven that when an employee is healthy they are more productive. Being healthy increases concentration, energy levels and output. It also ensures you are able to consistently perform at the desired level. Increased productivity in the workplace is a by-product of the success of Wellness Programs.
In the first year, the annual employee-turnover rate for Canada Life Insurance Company of Toronto’s fitness program participants was 1.8% as compared to the company wide average of 18%. Source: American Journal of Health Promotion.
Reduce Stress The workweek is expanding, competition is fierce and employees are stressed. In a recent poll, 78% of Americans describe their jobs as stressful. Exercise helps reduce stress.
Cianbro, an employee-owned construction company with approximately 2,000 employees, implemented its Healthy Lifestyle Program in 2003. The program includes one-on-one meetings with health educators for employees at all worksites to complete health risk assessments (HRAs), review health risks, and set short- and long-term goals. Over two years, 16% of participants decreased their risk for overweight, 20% improved their blood cholesterol profile, and 49% reported improving their level of physical activity. 23 The program had a participation rate of 68% by its third year.
Lincoln Plating, a small, metal finishing company with about 450 employees, runs an employee wellness program known as Go! Platinum. The program includes quarterly health screenings and wellness goal setting and offers incentives for participation such as cash reimbursements and an expenses-paid, annual mountain hike with senior management. Nearly 100% of employees complete the yearly HRA and about 80% participate in other wellness activities, including weight management and exercise programs. Among participants in the first year of the obesity program, there was a 5% drop in those with a greater than average percentage of body fat.
Hudson River Health Care, a network of 13 community health centers in nine counties with 425 employees, runs a work-site wellness campaign called Step Up for Wellness. The program, which is based on a point system for participation in wellness activities and achievement of healthy results, established employee walking clubs and used incentives to increase walking among employees. During the first year, participants who completed the program lost an average of 6 pounds per participant.
Duncan Aviation is an aircraft support company with 1,900 employees based in two main locations in different states. The company's wellness program features free annual onsite health screening and a free onsite fitness center for employees and their spouses. Multiple physical activity classes are available, including offerings to accommodate the schedules of spouses and alternative shift employees. Onsite nutritional analysis and consultation is also provided by the wellness staff and is free to all employees and family members. In the eighth year of the program, 78% of employees completed the annual health screening and overall employee participation was 100% due to quarterly health presentations.
NASA Glenn Research Center, which employs 3,200 civil servants and contractors, runs an employee wellness program that features a fully staffed onsite fitness center and medical center; campus sports fields and walking trails; a year-long weight management program with individual and team competitions for employees, families, and retirees; and one-on-one nutrition counseling with an onsite registered dietician. After a year, group results of those who participated in the weight management program showed an average weight loss of 2.6 pounds.
City of Maple Grove (CMG), a city government which employs 940 staff, implemented Fit for Life, a program to promote and preserve the health of employees, resulting in decreased health care costs and improving their quality of life. The Fit for Life program includes annual wellness screenings and a series of programs and program activities to encourage physical activity, improved diet, and health. The program works with a vendor to gather a rich set of data on program participation by department, aggregate annual data on health risks, overweight, hypertension, cholesterol, and data on health costs over time.
Foote Health System, a regional health care provider with 3,100 employees, implemented the It's Your Life program. The program included: environmental supports; a cohesive and dedicated staff; a health screening and HRA completed on an annual basis; health coaching sessions conducted three times/year and other education materials; on-site fitness facilities with discounted rates for IYL members; and incentives encouraging program participation. Approximately 34.7 percent of overweight (BMI>27.5) participants achieved weight loss of 4 or more pounds over 12 or more months.
PRO Fitness . 3210 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, MO 65202 . (573) 446-4348
Between Bass Pro and Menards