Strong company health culture supports healthy workforce: survey

A company with a strong culture of health is more likely to have happy, health-conscious employees than those businesses not promoting wellness, according to a new study’s findings.

Approximately 75% of employees and covered dependents at companies with strong cultures of health report that they have gained control over their health, according to the study from Aon Hewitt, the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Company.

The third annual Consumer Health Mindset analysis finds that 63% of employees who work at companies where this standard is less of a priority feel they are in control of their health.

In terms of happiness, sixty-six percent of employees in strong health cultures say they are “extremely or very happy” versus the 32% happiness marker reported for those less health-conscious employers.

“Our survey shows that organizations that foster a strong culture of health, through leading by example and encouraging healthy activities, will cultivate a workforce that demonstrates better health behaviors and is more actively engaged,” says Joann Hall Swenson, health engagement leader at Aon Hewitt.

When looking at other vital workplace indicators, such as stress and anxiety, approximately 25% of those surveyed who work in a health company with a strong culture of health say that stress has a negative impact. This compares to 49% for those who are employed at companies where a culture of health is a low priority in their business models.     

The study notes that strong cultures of health influenced positive steps forward, with 72% of employees at companies where health is valued reporting having received a physical in the past year and 64% reporting having exercised at least three days a week.

“It is exciting to see that employees are getting the message that their employer cares about their health and well-being and wants them to be happy and productive” says Helen Darling, the  president and CEO of the NBGH.  

Ray Baumruk, employee research leader at Aon Hewitt, recommends that organizations should pay attention to age and generational segments, such as workers under age 35 who are expected to be healthier.

“While these employees may be the best-educated and most tech-savvy generation, they also may be the most at-risk generation for future health issues,” says Baumruk.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Wellness Healthcare plans
MORE FROM EMPLOYEE BENEFIT NEWS