Workplace Wellness continues to be a growing concern for companies. Healthcare costs are increasing from 5 to 15% a year, with a vast majority (80%) attributed to costs associated with chronic illness. In fact, Harris Interactive reports that direct medical costs for chronic conditions increased even faster than prevalence, accounting for $510 billion in 2000. Total yearly medical expenditures for a person with a chronic condition ($6,032) are more than five times higher than for a healthy person ($1,105).
“The National Chronic Care Consortium reports that the number of Americans with chronic illnesses projected to grow to 157 million by 2020 and that medical costs are expected to increase to $1.07 trillion,” says Gus Stieber, National Director of Sales, Bensinger, DuPont & Associates. “There’s no doubt that employers must take proactive steps to manage this problem head-on.”
Motorola reported saving almost $4 for every $1 invested in wellness programs.
Microsoft realized a 132% return on investment during the first year of its wellness programs including increased access to healthcare information and tools and the addition of a nurse line.
So the question can be asked, “How do companies provide quality, coordinated health-related services to employees without increasing costs?” According to Stieber, the following programs have been shown to be effective.
Onsite Health Screenings Programs that may consist of blood draws and other testing, allow for early detection of many diseases and conditions. Typically program costs are offset with coordination of existing healthcare prevention benefits.
Health Risk Assessments are designed to measure lifestyle risks and their interaction with certain biometrics. Health Risk Assessments can be done online or at company sponsored benefit fairs.
Flu Vaccination programs have been growing considerably in the last two years. Employers or employees can share the costs of onsite vaccinations. Remember, sick employees can’t work.
Health Coaching Services are also finding their way into the workplace. These services are structured to help individuals achieve their health goals. Health Coaching can be a stand-alone program or is sometimes integrated with disease management programs.
“Employee Assistance Programs are beginning to integrate wellness prevention within their service model,” says Stieber. “This new model provides employers and their employees with a comprehensive collection of resources to encourage better health and promote preventive care.”
Bensinger DuPont & Associates is a privately owned professional services company that is dedicated to promoting healthy outcomes for employees, the workplace, individuals and their families through a wide range of consultation, training and counseling services. For additional information, Gus Stieber can be reached at 1-800-227-8620.