Do Workplace Health Promotion (Wellness) Programs Work?

Abstract

Employers seeking a program that "works" are urged to consider their goals and whether they have an organizational culture that can facilitate success. Employers who choose to adopt a health promotion program should use best and promising practices to maximize the likelihood of achieving positive results.

Multi-method approach to wellness predictive modeling

“…Poorly executed programs have been shown to lose money while not achieving their health goals [17]. Some programs force financial penalty to those that are overweight or consume tobacco products.…”

Tracking the Market Performance of Companies That Integrate a Culture of Health and Safety

“…There is increasing evidence that companies that integrate their health and safety efforts, building a culture of health and wellness along with a culture of safety, are likely to have a competitive advantage in the marketplace. 7,8,[12][13][14][15][16][17] This information should become increasingly important to corporate leadership and the investment community. Although there is ample evidence that a healthy and safe workforce can tangibly contribute to the bottom line of most self-insured midsized and large employers, demonstrated causality may not be necessary to inform investors.…”

Barriers to Enrollment in a Pharmacist-Led Fitness, Nutrition, and Weight Management Coaching Program

“…The best method or program structure to accomplish this is not well established; however, Healthy People 2010 supports integration of WHPPs into organizations' administrative structure. 20,21 Programs should provide and market convenient times and locations that fit into their target employees' schedules. Some WHPPs report allowing employees to participate in the programs during work hours, which could further reduce this barrier.…”