The notion of corporate wellness excites me because we live in an age where professionals and patients feel helpless amidst healthcare transformation. Yet innovative business leaders are using new models to provide healthcare for their employees, including on-site clinics, bundled payment, alignment of incentives for self-improvement, and rewarding good health decisions. Corporate wellness plays a key role in transforming healthcare.

 

Corporate wellness is designed to help motivate employees to be healthy, and to employers control their healthcare costs.   For years, it was more about awareness than it was genuine wellness, but times have changed, and employers are recognizing the impact that they can have on their employees lives.  Healthcare costs are typically one of the most expensive line items, next to payroll, and they are looking to make an impact.  Furthermore, employers know that with a highly successful economy and unemployment at an all-time low, one of their most precious commodities is their employees and they are willing to invest in something to improve their health, wellness, and quality of life to attract and retain the best talent.

 

Corporate wellness programs may include:

• Nutrition and Exercise education

• Outreach programs

• Exercise classes

• Wellness plan preparation

• Onsite health fairs

• Biometric screenings

• Chronic condition coaching

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Employers may incentivize employees monetarily, through payroll or through discounts on their health insurance premiums when they meet specific health goals, like maintaining normal blood pressure levels or BMI.

 

Implementing a successful corporate wellness program is an influential way to educate employees on the importance of creating healthy habits, but more importantly it is the first step to creating a corporate culture of being healthy and making health choices.  Studies have shown that a healthier workforce leads to happier, more engaged employees and less turnover in an employer’s workforce.  Happy and healthy employees also take fewer sick days than those that aren’t engaged in their health.  In my experience, employers with on-site clinics typically show a positive ROI from a spending standpoint, but also show happier and more engaged employees.