For employers, wellness has become an important tool in the efforts to hold back the tide of ever-increasing benefit expenses. But there is mounting evidence that wellness can be much more than a cost-containment strategy. Many employers are discovering its profound and positive effect on employees and the overall workplace culture. Its no coincidence that organizations identified as best places to work are more likely to offer broad-based wellness programs, which typically include wellness screenings, health questionnaires, lifestyle management programs, targeted benefit plan designs, as well as incentives and rewards.
As these employers experience success, other organizations are following suit and embracing the trend. According to the Aflac Workforce study, the number of businesses offering wellness increased 11% from 2011 to 2013. In terms of an organizations ROI, 61% of respondents surveyed said wellness programs have a direct and positive impact on profitability.
