All of the data points to the need for individuals to take better care of themselves. Implementing a wellness program can help employees understand the importance of making lifestyle changes and can encourage behavior modification. Other advantages of an effective wellness program include increased employee productivity and morale, lower utilization of health benefits, reduced absenteeism and improved employee recruitment and retention. Wellness programs require employer and employee commitment as well as data management expertise.
Elements of a successful wellness program may include:
- Strategic consultation
- Health risk appraisals and assessments
- Early detection initiatives, including blood and cholesterol tests
- Targeting high-risk populations
- On-site screenings prevention
- Web portal, health content & lifestyle programs
- Health coaching
- Telephonic nurse line
- Stress management
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- Lifestyle improvement
- Online health coaching
- Education and support programs
- Disease management
- Clinical event-driven activities
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Nutrition counseling
- Data mining and predictive modeling
- Alternative therapies
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Although return on investment for wellness programs is difficult to measure, the following examples illustrate some of the cost savings reported:
Research ROI to update
- A study of Johnson and Johnson's health and wellness program reported an average of $8.5 million annually for a 4-year period, and an annual average medical care cost savings of $225 per employee.
- Motorola's efforts are truly remarkable, with 45 sites and 65,000 employees included in their wellness program. Motorola’s new wellness reimbursement program saved more than $12 million, with a return on investment of $3.93 for every $1 spent.
Modifying behavior and lifestyle is not an easy task. To break bad habits and sustain change over the long term, plan sponsors need the support of other institutions, including the government, family, the medical community and educational institutions. Plan sponsors can use the resources made available by these institutions and create alliances with them so their message is aligned. Howell professionals can recommend a variety of wellness programs. To obtain wellness information for your organization,
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