PHWP: Abstract Detail: Wellness programs get a checkup

Focuses on wellness programs in organizations. Though employers spend nearly 2% of their health claim dollars on these programs, at least 60% of companies have no idea as to the return on investment of their programs. Given that companies of at least medium size offer an average of 21 health promotion programs, there is the potential that many of those programs are not having the impact desired by the organization. Most organizations make investments in wellness programs under the assumption that savings from the programs will occur later, largely through the prevention of negative health events. In a recent survey conducted by Fidelity Investments, more than half of organizations (57%) reported using some type of financial incentive with cash value as a part of their wellness program. The amount spent on incentives per employee differs widely. Approximately 45% of organizational wellness programs focus on prevention and lifestyle, while 43% focus on managing chronic disease or illness. The most prevalent lifestyle programs target employee assistance programs (92%), on-site flu shots (90%), preventive-care reminders (68%), stress management (68%), and smoking cessation (66%). The most prevalent disease management programs provide a nurse hotline (79%), diabetes management (74%), coronary heart disease management (69%), and asthma management (69%).

Bridgeford, L. C. (2010, January 28). Wellness programs get a checkup. Employee Benefit News [Online]. Retrieved February 1, 2010, from ebn.benefitnews.com.