Worksite Health Promotion

Chronic disease accounts for 80% of the burden of disease or illness and 90% of all medical costs. Although the United States spends more on health care than any other industrialized nation in the world, it is still not healthy (IWS). Health promotion programs and worksite wellness programs encourage people to take measures to prevent the onset of disease as well as lessen the effect of a disease or illness. These programs also help workers to adopt lifestyles that are healthier (IWS).

According to the Wellness Council of America, there are six important reasons why every business should consider a worksite wellness program.

1. Reduction in Health Care Costs- One expert says that a combination of poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity can contribute to 35-40% of an employer’s total cost. A healthy lifestyle can reduce these risks and decrease health care costs.
2. Reduced Sick Leave Use- Preventable illnesses are linked to about 70% of the total health care cost. Healthier employees will result in fewer uses of sick days.
3. Longer Work Week- People are now working 47 hours a week which is a potential cause of poor health.
4. Increased Technology- Worksite wellness programs can be created to reduce some of the problems associated with an increase in technology.
5. Increased Stress Levels- Worksite wellness programs can be created to help workers reduce and eliminate stress.
6. Workforce Diversification- The worksite has become more diverse. Individualized worksite wellness plans can be created to help address these health issues.

Worksite wellness programs can be developed to help with a number of health issues in mind such as eating smart at work, moving more at work, managing stress at work, and smoking cessation programs (SHPNC). These programs can also be provided in many different ways such as awareness programs, educational programs, lifestyle or behavioral change programs, and environmental and organizational support programs. Awareness programs and educational programs are provided to bring the employees attention to a specific health issue. They will not necessarily cause a behavior change but will provide them with information. Lifestyle or behavioral change programs usually provide opportunities to practice the desired behavior. Environmental and organizational support programs usually are ways of regulating the desired behaviors such as smoke-free workplaces or building a workout facility at the building for the employees to use (FT).

Worksite health promotion can be a very beneficial addition to any worksite.

Employee Wellness Programs. Retrieved September 2, 2008, from the Infinite Wellness Solutions Website: http://www.infinitewellnesssolutions.com

Wellness Council of America. Retrieved September 2, 2008, from the Wellness Council of America Website: http://www.welcoa.org

NC HealthSmart Worksite Wellness Toolkit. Retrieved September 2, 2008, from The State Health Plan of North Carolina Website: http://www.shpnc.org

Workplace Wellness. Retrieved September 2, 2008 from the Fit Together North Carolina

Website: http://www.fittogethernc.org/WorkplaceWellness.aspx