by Don R. Powell Wellness programs have proved to be an effective tool to use in reining in health care costs. This author describes successful wellness programs and shows that these programs not only improve the bottom line for employers or Taft-Hartley funds, but they also help employees feel better about themselves and more positive about the organization they work for.Introduction Plain and simple, today's health care costs are too high.
The cornerstone of the Wellness Council of America is the "Well Workplace" Awards process. This innovative initiative recognizes quality and excellence in worksite health promotion. Driven by a pre-defined set of worksite wellness criteria, organizations of all kinds compete to be recognized as one of America's Healthiest Companies.
Healthier employees make for a stronger association. If you're looking to build a workplace with more staff camaraderie, greater productivity, and less absenteeism, an organization-wide wellness initiative can help you get there. And the gravy? Lower insurance costs. (Titled "Well at Work" in the print edition.)
Wilkes University
Total annual health care costs reached $2.4 trillion in 2008 and are projected to reach $3.1 trillion in 2012. In fact, there appears to be no end in sight to this trend.1 As a result, organizations and individuals continue to search for strategies to deal with escalating health care costs that are outpacing the rate of inflation.
Days are hectic with work and our other commitments. Make some small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further from the office, eating more whole grains and less processed foods to enhance your health and wellness. Try to fit in some lunchtime hoops or a gentle yoga class sometimes.
Image credit: ymcacalgary.org Many employers already have at least one wellness program, such as employee-fitness reimbursements or smoking-cessation programs. Tack on the prospective changes resulting from the new healthcare law and the trend is likely to expand.
Employer wellness programs used to mean just having a gym in the office or posters on the wall encouraging people to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Now more companies are using real money, and sometimes penalties, as incentives for workers to get in better shape.
When I stop and think about employee wellness, I have to step away from my day to day responsibilities and take a look from the employer perspective. I think it's a no-brainer to install a wellness program at every company, no matter the size, demographic, location or what service or product the company provides.
Fitness Centers Intramurals Noyes Rec Center Rec Services
This is the homepage for the CDC National Healthy Worksite Program
University of Delaware Human Resources
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
Opening week hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Products such as vitamins and supplements, healthy snacks, apparel, and much more will be available for purchase. This new retail space will complement the Wellness Institute's clinical offerings.
Check out our new Social Dashboard to see other ways to stay connected across the USM community.
We partner with these key programs to help promote wellness: BMC: BMC Employee Assistance Program - free, confidential counseling via toll-free phone line or in person for BMC employees and eligible dependents. BMC Integrative medicine - patients and staff are offered a variety of integrative services at no charge or for a modest fee.
Each plan offered in the UA Choice health plan provides a comprehensive preventative benefit, including routine annual physicals or checkups, immunizations, and screenings for many types of cancer and other conditions including type 2 diabetes. A full list of the preventative benefits offered under the plan can be found here.
