Exercise is strong tonic for corporate wellness

It’s staggering to realize that if all Americans began exercising we, as a nation, could realize a savings of $77 billion in direct medical costs each year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association recently released a report that related this potential cost-savings to corporations. This report said that being overweight increases health-care costs by as much as $395 per person, but that employees who exercise at least one time per week, regardless of their weight, can lower health-care costs.

On a local level, health-insurance companies in Colorado are allowed to reward people for participating in wellness programs, but a proposed state law, House Bill 1160,  takes that a step further. Discounts could come with improved health and provide incentive programs to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. 

SPONSORED CONTENT

People Powered: Preparing Longmont Businesses for Economic Success

Longmont Chamber and FNBO present People Powered on April 24, 2024, aiming to inform business owners about workforce development, housing, and transportation issues.

With reports such as IHRSA’s, and proposed legislation such as HB1160, there’s little doubt that the American work force needs to improve its health to reduce health-care costs for all. In order to accomplish this, it’s imperative for companies to offer encouragement and support to employees who want to improve their personal health.

Joe Moore, chief executive of IHRSA, stated it best: “Employer involvement in employee wellness is essential-not only to the current generation of workers, but to future generations.”

Fortunately, proactive health and fitness professionals are working hard to help support companies – and their employees – who want to improve their physical health and financial bottom line.  Athletic clubs and personal trainers are providing fitness and wellness guidance to companies, as well as full-fledged corporate programs that are not only reducing employees’ associated monthly fees, but also encouraging their participation through special events and challenges.

Some of the more creative ways this is being done include:

? Providing “exercise advocates” to companies as their go-to person for advice on how their company’s employees might be most motivated about fitness and how to implement these options.

? Providing subsidy and reimbursement options to companies who want to proactively contribute to an employee’s fitness routine, knowing they will end up saving money in the future.

? Establishing programs that outline a company’s goals and milestones by tracking employee fitness usage or developing challenges where activity can be celebrated.

? Developing fitness programs that “fit in” to the corporate lifestyle, including office exercises and classes that are convenient to the work day and the stress that goes with it.

Corporate exercise programs have been shown to save companies $4 in health-care costs for every dollar invested.  Additional benefits include:

? Improved physical and mental health.

? Lower medical costs and health-care expenses and reduced compensation claims.

? Improved personal productivity.

? Networks of support.

? Attracting and retaining talented employees who want to work for your company.

The hardest part may be getting started, but there are some relatively easy and cost-effective ways for companies to take the first steps. For example, hosting a health fair, posting a wellness bulletin board, or building a short physical activity break built into the workday are good ways to get under way. Small, uncomplicated steps are often the best way to begin building a company culture of health and wellness and gain momentum. 

If your company is ready to implement a corporate wellness program, consider partnering with a local health/fitness organization that can help to identify and prioritize areas for improvement based on assessment, and implement programs tailored to the needs and desires of your company’s work force. A professional partnership will tremendously ease the process.

It’s imperative for companies to do all they can to help their employees achieve optimum health. By doing so, they will establish a happier, healthier and more productive work force and save a great deal on health-care costs. With the help and support of health and fitness professionals, exercise is the perfect tonic.

Jill Shusterman is the general manager of Colorado Athletic Club-Boulder, part of the Colorado Athletic Clubs network that is actively helping companies establish corporate wellness programs for their employees.