For a business to survive, much less be profitable in a growing global market, it must trim costs and increase productivity. The skyrocketing cost of health care alone can make a Corporate Wellness program not only feasible, but profitable, in a world of ever tightening bottom lines. A recent article in the American Journal of Health Promotions*, stated that for every $1 spent on a Corporate Wellness program, a return of $2.13 to $10.10 can be expected through lower medical claims, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and other factors. With results like this how can you afford not to have a Corporate Wellness program?

First, let's look at the costs of NOT being proactive with your employees wellness. It has been shown that Medical costs can consume half, or more, of company profits. Business's that want to stay in business must trim these costs, while trying to increase productivity. So let's take a brief look at some statistics as they relate to general health-care costs in American.

• Health-care costs in the United States are more than $1 trillion annually, but preventable illnesses account for approximately 70% of the illnesses and related costs.
• Every hour, 35 people die from diseases related to inactivity or poor nutrition alone.
• Chronic diseases related to lifestyle account for 70% of the nation's medical costs.

Now let's look at some statistics as they relate to healthcare costs's impact on business in regards to loss productivity and revenue.

• 25% of all Americans believe their job is the most stressful part of their lives.
• Absenteeism due to stress increased 316 percent from 1995 to 2000.
• On average, a worker in the United States loses 115 productive work hours every year due to a health condition. A majority of the lost productive time from these health conditions is invisible to employers, because it occurs on the job.
• The total cost to employers in lost productive time for all health conditions is in the range of $2,000 per employee per year.

In today's increasingly competitive global market, it's smart business to take a proactive approach to employees needs through a Corporate Wellness program, which is why such programs are on the rise. The Wellness Council of America, offers these reasons behind the growth in Corporate Wellness:

• Most Americans spend more of their waking hours at work than they do anywhere else.
• Well-designed corporate wellness programs can effect health-risk behaviors at the work site, thereby affecting the bottom line.

Here's some more statistics... just in case you, and your investors, need more reasons to start a corporate wellness program:

• 81% of American businesses with 50 or more employees have some type of wellness program.
• 78% of Fortune 500 companies offer health or wellness programs.

Do you want more statistics? Because I could give you days and days worth. But your profits can't wait, because it just makes good business sense to start a corporate wellness program! Can you put a price on helping your employees and your bottom line? I CAN! Call for more information on my amazing Corporate Wellness Program and your specific needs to fit any budget!

More Information
For more information on Corporate Wellness, and it's related subjects, please view the My Column page. For more information on my Corporate Wellness Programs please contact the institute. Or take the first step to helping your employees achieve their potential and call to make an appointment.