Recently there has been an increase from both the public and private sectors to promote lifestyle change programs. Companies are becoming more aware that being overweight, obese, physically inactive and addicted to tobacco is affecting their bottom line by greatly affecting the health and productivity of their employees. As a result, innovative employers are encouraging their employees to participate in health and wellness promotion and disease prevention programs at work.

Having a quality health promotion program implemented in the workplace has been shown to provide a substantial return on investment. By increasing employees overall health there is a decrease in the rate of absenteeism, and an improvement in the level of productivity from people who participate in the program.

The benefits of a corporate wellness program are clear when you consider the cost of absenteeism for a company of 150 employees. A recent survey demonstrated that the average cost of absenteeism is $1,216 per employee per year. 

ROI Related Statistics

• Canada Life (Toronto) showed a return on investment of $3.40 on each corporate dollar invested
• The direct cost of absenteeism due to high work-life conflict is approximately $5.48 billion per year for Canadian organizations. If indirect costs are included, this number rises to as much $10 billion per year. (Duxbury & Higgins)
• Stress-related absences cost Canadian employers about $3.5 billion each year. (Statscan)
• Employers pay an extra $488 per year for every sedentary employee. (Lowe)
• Pillsbury Company – saved $3.63 in health-related costs for every $1 spent on a wellness program.
• Coors Brewing Company – saved $6.15 for every $1 spent on a fitness program

Research Shows…

• Constant levels of stress in the workplace are linked to increased blood pressure, localized inflammation, anxiety, muscle aches, depression, indigestion and fatigue, all leading to an increase in absenteeism and reduced productivity.
• On site wellness programs significantly decrease employee stress levels, resulting in a decrease in absenteeism.
• Employees who eat a nutritiously balanced diet have improved concentration levels and the ability to focus for longer periods of time.
• Companies who provide wellness services for their employees demonstrate that the corporation cares about their work – life balance not only in the workplace but at home as well.
• Corporations that encourage employees to participate in wellness services have reduced employees turn over.
• Companies that enable employees to participate in group wellness programs have more cohesive teams and better working relationships.
• Companies offering health and wellness services attract potential employees to choose their company over the competitor.