Corporate wellness is taking center stage in many boardrooms these days. With significant costs associated with health care, it’s no wonder.
There are still many changes to health care yet to come. Here is the Government’s web site discussing the new healthcare reform law. http://www.healthcare.gov/ Each State will also have it’s own guidelines. What we do know is that there will be increases to everyone.
Unfortunately for businesses the burden is likely to shift squarely on their shoulders. Many companies are asking employees to bear more of the additional costs of coverage, but this has its own backlash. Studies show that when people can’t afford coverage they opt to avoid routine care and seek treatment only when in crisis. This impacts not only the greater health care system, but also businesses that must accommodate sick or seriously ill employees. The other backlash is when companies ask employees to pay more of their own health care costs; these companies experience a competitive disadvantage to their competitors who offer more employee benefits. Studies also show that when people experience improved health they are more likely to continue to invest in their well-being.
As the health care horizon changes, some companies see the benefit in both productivity and employee retention as compelling factors in their adoption of a corporate wellness program. To see the most benefit for everyone involved, programs that offer holistic health care solutions are the right choice.
Poor health habits are expensive to companies, individuals and the nation as a whole. According to a study by the Society of Actuaries, obesity-related illnesses cost the United States an estimated $270 billion dollars a year. That number is higher if the silent risk of skinny fat individuals is added. Skinny fat is a term used to describe individuals who do not appear fat and do not fall into standard risk factors for obesity. Their health is at risk because these individuals have more body fat relative to lean muscle mass. The way the body metabolism operates those with greater percentages of lean muscle mass have fewer health risks than those with less because the protein stored in muscle is used to heal and protect the bodies organs and systems.
If your company does not currently have a wellness program, it’s time to consider the benefits of implementing one. If your company has some wellness offerings but you are interested in finding out about making improvements, call us to schedule a review of needs and assessment of benefits. We offer this complementary service to companies that are serious about improving their bottom line. There is no obligation to invest in a program with us. All of our programs are custom-tailored to our clients’ needs. If we are not a fit for you we will suggest other options that may be.
Contact us today 310-928-7054
