Forty-five percent of Americans working at small to medium-sized
companies said that they would stay at their jobs longer because of
employer-sponsored wellness programs, according to the latest Principal
Financial Well-Being IndexSM.
“Wellness programs are clearly a win-win, especially at a time when
employers and their employees are more budget conscious”
The survey also found that as a result of workplace wellness programs,
40 percent of workers say they are encouraged to work harder and perform
better and 26 percent miss fewer days of work by participating in such
programs. As in previous years, 51 percent of workers believe wellness
programs are very or somewhat successful in reducing health care costs.
The index, which surveys American workers at growing businesses with
10-1,000 employees, is released by the Principal Financial Group®
and conducted by Harris Interactive®. These findings focusing
specifically on wellness attitudes and behaviors among American workers
were taken from the fourth quarter 2009 Index.
“Wellness programs are clearly a win-win, especially at a time when
employers and their employees are more budget conscious,” said Lee
Dukes, president of Principal Wellness Company, a subsidiary of the
Principal Financial Group. “Employers benefit by retaining top talent,
energizing their employees and reducing the number of sick days.
Employees benefit from improved physical health, reduced stress in the
workplace and the financial benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”
While not all employers offer wellness programs, the survey found nearly
half (47 percent) of workers surveyed would participate or do
participate in wellness programs to achieve better overall physical
health. Other top reasons for participation include:
-
Reduced personal health care costs (30 percent)
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Greater chance of living longer and healthier lives (30 percent)
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Receiving employer incentives for participation (28 percent)
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Reduced stress (28 percent).
Fitness Tops Workers’ Wish List as Worries about Changing Health
Plans Mount
The survey found most workers are interested in wellness programs that
improve their physical fitness, with 27 percent saying they would like
in-office fitness facilities, 23 percent citing fitness center discounts
and 19 percent expressing interest in weight management programs. For
some, these wishes came true last year, as significantly more workers
(15 percent) have access to fitness facilities in fourth quarter 2009
compared to 11 percent in fourth quarter 2008.
As workers seek ways to improve their health, they are concerned about
potential changes in their health insurance. Significantly more workers,
34 percent, expect their medical plan options to change in 2010 compared
with only 23 percent in 2009, the survey found.
“While uncertainty over the future health care system mounts, more
Americans are taking charge of their own health by focusing on
preventive care and living a healthy lifestyle now to lead a longer,
more quality life,” said Dukes.