Wellness Companies

Wellness programs are important because they play a crucial role in promoting employee health, reducing absenteeism, and increasing productivity. They also benefit employers by providing a healthier workplace environment and a cost-effective way to help lower healthcare costs and reduce staff turnover. Moreover, comprehensive wellness programs help talent acquisition efforts, as 87% of employees said they consider health and wellness offerings when evaluating an employer. For businesses looking to establish a culture of wellness and support their employees' health and well-being, wellness programs are an effective way to make a tangible impact.

Today, companies of all sizes offer workplace wellness programs; at least 80% of companies in the United States have some form of wellness program in place. In addition, more than nine in ten organizations offer at least one wellness incentive. With growing healthcare costs and an epidemic of employee burnout, wellness programs have become an integral part of the modern workplace.

Investing in preventative wellness initiatives can potentially deliver significant returns for companies in the long run. Studies have shown that employers can expect a return on investment of over three dollars for every dollar invested in workplace wellness programs and absenteeism savings of over two dollars. That equates to a remarkable six-to-one return on investment. Additionally, a healthy and engaged workforce can lead to lower turnover rates, which can also help save money on recruitment and training costs.

Wellness programs can provide a multitude of benefits to employers, positively impacting everything from employee engagement and productivity to lowering healthcare costs. Studies have shown that employers can save up to $3 for every dollar spent on wellness programs. A meta-analysis of 56 published studies on health promotion programs in organizations of all sizes also found a reduction of 25% in sick leave, health plan costs, workers' compensation, and disability costs. In addition to the financial benefits, wellness programs can lead to increased employee engagement, lower absenteeism, and increased morale.

Federal law prohibits employers from asking workers questions about their health or disability status, except in limited circumstances, such as through voluntary wellness programs. While regulations were amended in 2016 to allow for "voluntary" programs with financial penalties for not participating, these regulations were later vacated by a federal judge, and the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has not issued further guidance. To be considered "reasonably designed," a wellness program must promote health and wellness, protect personal health information, provide feedback to individuals, and clearly explain how medical information will be used. It cannot be a condition of participating in the program or earning an incentive to agree to the sale or disclosure of medical information.