Avionics News September 2012 - 51

of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Some kind of exercise, then, is necessary, and this points to the core motivation behind the programs’ growing popularity. Gary Piantedosi, managing partner of Creative Benefits Planning, told CNBC recently, “We as a nation spent $2.6 trillion on health care last year and half of that went to treating chronic conditions, many of which could have been prevented by better lifestyle choices… it’s not going to take too long in this cashstrapped environment for people to realize that if we can control chronic conditions, we can save a boatload of money.” The data suggested this is exactly what wellness programs do. According to a study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, the programs reduce absenteeism, health care costs and disability claims by about 30 percent. They also reduce the indirect costs of absenteeism and “presenteeism,” where an underthe-weather employee works only at partial capacity, which can be two or three times the direct medical costs, according to the Partnership for Prevention, a nonprofit that promotes wellness programs in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control. All told, for every $1 spent on worksite health promotion programs, the employer sees an average of $3.50 in savings. But, there’s a personal part of the equation, too. These are people, not just assets, and when they are well, they are happier. A recent Israeli study indicated that employees who exercise have lower rates of depression and job burnout. And,

Principal Wellness Company, a division of Principal Financial, found that employees enrolled in programs express greater loyalty to their company, which reduces turnover and adds value to your business. All’s Well How you get there obviously depends on what you’re able to spend in both cash and effort. Most small businesses start small. A survey released last year by research firm Trusight found most businesses

in additional lifetime health costs than non-smokers, and they miss an extra two to four days a year. Often, health insurance offers coverage to quit, including counseling and nicotine-replacement medications. Even if yours does not, most states offer free tobacco quit lines. Likewise, local chapters of the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association often offer free workplace quit-smoking classes. All you need to provide is the rationale for why this is important to your shop.

Yo u n e e d y o u r p e o p l e t o b e h e a l t h y i f y o u w a n t y o u r b u s i n e s s t o b e h e a l t h y.

focus on three areas: helping workers quit smoking, lose weight and ease stress. Some also offered additional options, including on-site flu shots and healthier foods in vending machines. Certainly, those are suitable options – especially when they are something your employees want. Actually, this is where you have an advantage. As a small business, you can efficiently tailor a program to your people, and you are better able to communicate program goals, model participation and share support in your intimate team environment. For new programs, Partnership for Prevention recommends addressing tobacco use, physical activity and nutritional programs, and cancer screenings. According to the CDC, smoking-cessation programs provide one of the biggest returns. Smokers incur more than $18,000

Similarly, weight-loss training is available from hospitals, universityextension services and even Weight Watchers, which may be persuaded to conduct on-site meetings. Combine any of these with smart snack choices – apples instead of doughnuts or granola bars instead of candy bars – for low-hassle implementation. For exercise, walking groups can gather before or after work, suggested the Wellness Council of America. Sponsor teams for charity events, hold walking team meetings for planning and brainstorming sessions and provide pedometers to every employee; encourage each to take more than 10,000 steps a day. Alternatively, consider organizing teams for recreational sports leagues, installing bike racks or subsidizing gym memberships.
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Avionics News September 2012

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