With rising health care expenses looming on the horizon, many companies are thinking about ways to reduce costs.  Between furloughs, layoffs, and salary cuts, companies may have overlooked one small investment that can reap big returns: an employee wellness program.

Since the late 1970s, cost control and health trends have provided a push toward wellness programs in the workplace.  Employee wellness programs have continued to increase in popularity thanks to their mutual benefit to employers and employees.  Through such programs, employers can increase the work performance and productivity  of their most precious commodity: their human resources.  In return, employees can enjoy a healthier lifestyle and a more positive work environment.

Employee wellness programs concentrate on the physical well being of workers, such as medical requirements and general health.  Wellness programs offer a variety of health-related solutions, which may include weight loss plans, stress management training, smoking cessation programs, nutrition coaching, physical fitness advice, behavioral health therapy, and physiological testing, like blood pressure screenings and cholesterol checks.  Even alternative therapies like massage and meditation are catching on.

Here are five reasons why an employee wellness program might be the right choice for your company.

Decreased Absenteeism

Education and training courses promote healthier employee lifestyles, which decreases absenteeism due to behavioral health and sick leave.  A  complete work force can help a company enjoy maximum productivity.

Reduced Health Care Costs

With health care and insurance costs skyrocketing, the minimal expense of a wellness program and its positive effect on employee health has shown to decrease company health care and insurance costs.  Dollar for dollar, the investment is well worth the return.

Improved Morale and Loyalty

Healthier employees make for happier employees!  Well-cared-for employees are more likely to feel appreciated by and connected to their employer, which promotes feelings of pride and responsibility in their work.  Happy employees foster a pleasant and positive work environment—an invaluable resource to any company.  Happy employees are also more productive and more likely to demonstrate company loyalty, which results in less turnover and reduced recruitment costs.

Increased Productivity

This is arguably the greatest advantage of an employee wellness program.  Employees at their healthiest have higher energy, improved concentration, and increased productivity.  Coupled with reduced absenteeism and increased workplace morale, this means employees are happier, healthier, and ready to consistently perform at optimum levels.

Lower Overall Costs

All of the above reasons combined result in lower overall costs to the company.  While it’s difficult to quantify what is gained through increased morale and loyalty, tangible results like decreased absenteeism, reduced health care costs, and increased productivity provide a measurable—and sizable—reduction in overall company costs.

Did you know that as part of its HR Total Solutions package, Global Human Resources Outsourcing offers a complete and comprehensive HR partnership, which includes employee health and wellness programs?  With GHRO Total Solutions, your company will also have direct access to unlimited services, such as asset protection, cost containment strategies, and turnover reduction strategies.  With nearly one hundred years of combined HR experience, GHRO’s team is committed to facing any HR challenges your company encounters.  When your company is ready to meet those challenges head on, visit GHRO’s website to receive a free quote.