Onsite Wellness Program for Employees

Onsite Wellness Program for Employees at Cambridge Hospital

As healthcare costs keep rising, employers are more cautious about their employees’ health and wellbeing. Healthy employees mean higher productivity and lower health insurance claims, which drive more employers to turn to onsite wellness programs. According to a national survey, 76 percent of US employers offer some type of wellness programs, which prove to be effective in reducing health care costs (Wellness Programs).

The purpose of this study is to show the relationship between the implementation of a worksite wellness program and the company’s profitability.

The study may be beneficial to both the employer and employees. With the help of the program, employees maybe able to recognize their bad health habit, change them to good ones, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The employer, on the other hand, may be able to see changes in the employees’ behavior, and the positive effects of these changes on the company.

The study was open to all Cambridge Hospital employees, and was focused on the role of regular exercise and healthy eating in reducing absenteeism due to health issues. Secondary and primary researches were used in this study.

Secondary research was conducted to learn about employers who had already implemented the onsite wellness program, and how beneficial the program was in improving employees’ health, increasing productivity, and lowering healthcare costs.

Primary research was also conducted in a form of an interest survey. Employees at different levels of the hospital were asked to answer questions about their gender, age, and if they spent enough time focusing on their health. They were also asked whether they would participate if wellness programs were offered by the employer. Employees had to choose, from a list, the best time for practice, and the best program/s that suite their needs. In the last part of the questionnaire, respondents were asked to answer “yes” or “no” to nutrition related question. A copy of the questionnaire is enclosed with this report.

The results of the research focused on the impact of the onsite wellness programs on healthcare costs, and the effects on the employees’ productivity.

The secondary research showed that the implementation of workplace wellness programs was beneficial to many businesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthier workforce reduces long-term healthcare costs. Chronic diseases account for 75% of the total healthcare spending (Comprehensive Health). So when companies with wellness programs offer healthy food choices in cafeterias and vending machines, and discounted memberships to gym and health clubs, employees are more motivated to engage in healthy lifestyle and are less likely to have chronic diseases. Studies have shown that healthy eating,