Group Health, Employee Benefits and Wellness Programs: Good for Business?
- Scott Holcomb
- Mar 5, 2015
- 3 min read
Many employers are realizing that a healthy employee is a happy employee and are investing in small business wellness programs. Such programs can be a great investment as they pay off with increased productivity, fewer sick days and lower overall health care costs.
According to the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), 25 to 40 percent of all medical claims are changeable, which means they are also avoidable.
As a small business the realization that a properly installed wellness program can reduce health costs and increase productivity should peak some serious interest to those looking into the long term success of their companies.
The Affordable Care Act although looked on by many small businesses as a deterrent to providing health care actually allows employers to increase incentives or rewards offered as part of a health-contingent wellness program, provided you follow certain guidelines.
Inspiration
Want some inspiration? Here is an article from Greatist, “The 44 Healthiest Companies to Work for in America”, pay special attention to the group of small businesses near the bottom of the article. There you can glean some ideas from smaller companies to see just how much fun getting healthy can actually become.
Resources
With our more health conscious society, there are manhy resources to help small business create a healthy working environment. The internet if full of low cost options and suggestions and Partnership for Prevention is a great place to start. So many employees really want to make lifestyel changes and just need a bit of a nudge to do the right thing; they will welcome the support and assistance in their workplace.
Getting Started
Setting up small business wellness programs may sound like a lot of work, but it can be done very simply and easily. A basic program can educate employees and help them make good choices by spreading the word about healthy living practices and making them available to employees.
For example: stocking the break room with fruit and bagels instead of donuts and allowing refreshing exercise breaks every day helps promote wellness. It is easy to send out a company newsletter with healthy tips and hold a yoga or Zumba class each week.
For a modest investment, you can buy a fitness monitor for those interested or award a prize for weight loss or hours of exercise each week.
With positive reinforcement and healthy alternatives, you may be able to get employees to exercise more, lose weight, and even stop smoking. All of these lifestyle changes will help reduce your health care costs and keep your trained employees with you longer.
Studies have found that something as basic as taking a full hour lunch break can greatly increase productivity. Getting away from the work desk to have lunch, relax, exercise, or even nap helps the brain and body recharge.
"Out to lunch" small business wellness programs could be built around the positive benefits of taking a full lunch and healthy lunch activities.
Can you imagine the fun of being directed to take a nap, play Frisbee in the sun, read a book, or simply daydream? Your employees will definitely feel better and make you happier too.
Key parts to a great wellness plan include:
Senior Management Support
Employee Advocation
Communication
Achievement Reward
FUN!
At Accurate Insurance Solutions our mission for our clients is to design a wellness plan geared toward the achievement of wellness for your company. We believe personal wellness implies a state of multi-dimensional health and satisfaction.
The bottom line is the welfare of your employees has a direct impact on the success of your company. Employees are the most valuable asset to any company and investing in their well being will make you a stronger company.
A good wellness program can be fun, energize employees with healthy competition and at the same time build tremendous camaraderie among your employees.
Need some more tips? Sign up for our Live Well, Work Well newsletter and receive a monthly dose of healthy living ideas and strategies.
If you need more information and want to set up an appointment to go over starting or reviewing your current wellness program you can go to our website here.
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