Save Healthcare Dollars by Encouraging Employee Health

Experts estimate that for every dollar employers spend on employee health and wellness programs, three dollars are saved. Little wonder, then, that these programs have found favor with all kinds of employers.

Health and wellness programs can be simple, and cheap. They also may require a significant investment of time and resources. Often, companies turn to outside consultants to prescribe, design and manage these programs. Businesses are willing to bear this expense because the benefits of encouraging a healthier workforce are significant.

Determining whether the expense is worth it takes some work. Small businesses that offer partially self-funded insurance plans may see their rates improve. Programs can also positively affect your base premiums going in, although this varies by state.

Wellness programs also create healthier, happier employees and may help decrease turnover and absenteeism and raise productivity. They can also help with recruiting.

Small business owners don't have to shell out tons of money to start creating a healthier work environment. There are plenty of low-cost measures you can take right now, such as:

• Encouraging employees to move during their lunch hour. Start walking or running clubs, set a route, have staggered shifts so the workplace doesn't shut down. You can even make it competitive, for example, forming teams and having them track the number of miles they walk during a given period of time, rewarding the winning team with movie passes, time off or t-shirts.
• Allowing only healthy snacks in vending machines. Also, ban doughnuts, candy, birthday cake, etc., from the workplace. Sure, some folks may grumble (or even weep) but more will thank you.
• Bringing in speakers. There are plenty of health organizations that will come in and deliver lunchtime seminars on portion sizes, weight control, smoking cessation, diabetes management or menu planning, and will do so at no or little cost. Encourage employee attendance with door prizes.
• Encouraging togetherness. Encourage employees who want to lose weight or stop smoking to tackle the challenge as a group. Employees can also form activity clubs, where they can meet up after work or on the weekends hike, bike, run, etc.
• Giving them time off. Some companies allow employees to take time off during the day to hit the gym or take in a weight-loss support meeting. Of course, work can't suffer and the employee must document his/her participation.