Most employers would agree that health care costs are one of their largest expenses. Adopting a wellness program can be key to reducing these costs, especially for companies with self-funded benefits. These programs can encourage your employees to make healthier choices and simultaneously help to reduce employer claim costs in the long run.
If you are just starting out, a wellness program doesn’t need to be complex. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases that can be avoided through preventive care make up about 75% of the nation’s health care spending. Start small by encouraging your employees to get their annual preventive exams and procedures. Encourage them to get biometric screenings and/or preventive bloodwork through their Primary Care Physician. Providing incentives for these accomplishments can help to achieve real results by obtaining employees’ buy-in and participation.
There are many easy wellness options to roll out, such as hosting educational lunch and learns and/or webinars that encourage your employees to live healthier lives. Offering healthy food options in your company vending machines can begin to impact lifestyle changes. Wellness fairs can facilitate employees meeting with local vendors that can guide them on their journey to wellness.
Don’t be overwhelmed. No effort is too small when it comes to impacting your employees lives with wellness programs. Start small and add on to develop your program as you have time and feel more comfortable. As Benjamin Franklin stated, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.