The statistics are staggering. Nearly 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Expanding waistlines fuel alarming increases in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, reaching epidemic proportions. The impact of too much weight on health and life expectancy is now equal to if not greater than smoking, says a recent study.
Bad health is bad business. Each overweight employee costs firms an additional $500 to $2,500 in medical expenditures and work loss. That’s a total of $50 billion nationally in annual expenditures related to obesity alone. Chronic diseases like hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and depression are responsible for two-thirds of the increase in health care spending, taking an enormous toll on employees and their families.
As health costs escalate, employers are implementing wellness activities. They understand that prevention can dramatically impact the price of health benefits and productivity of their work force.
To learn more, Smart Business spoke to Tammie Brailsford, Chief Operating Officer of MemorialCare Health System in Orange and Los Angeles counties, and Marcia Manker, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley.
Why should employers invest in wellness?
Brailsford: The work force is as critical to your bottom line as the quality of your products and services. Wellness programs reduce costs and help recruit, retain and increase productivity. Research shows companies implementing wellness activities can save $1.49 to $4.91 for each dollar spent and reduce absences 30 percent. A University of Michigan study revealed the health care cost of a 45- to 54-year-old at low risk for health problems is $2,081. A high-risk worker’s cost is $5,813, not including absences, loss in productivity and other expenses.
With the economic downturn, how can I afford to offer these activities?
Manker: Business cost can be minimal — from $50 to $500 or more per employee annually, plus any incentives for health improvement. Instead of building a fitness center, offer employees a pedometer, mealtime walking programs and sessions on achieving better health. It’s as simple as selecting a salad or taking stairs or a 10-minute break to walk. Hospitals are willing to share information and resources on low- to no-cost screenings and offer prevention and healthy lifestyle programs at your company and in the community.
