Employers See Well-Designed Worksite Health and Wellness Programs as Strong Value in Do...( Study shows increase in i...),Health

Study shows increase in incentives to keep employees healthy, from average of $204 in 2008 to $329 in 2009

WASHINGTON, July 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As politicians and policymakers debate how to structure and pay for clinical prevention and chronic disease services within new models of care--both at the work site or through new delivery systems--many are looking to mature employer-based health management programs as models. A new, in-depth survey of employers into the use of incentives in corporate wellness programs shows that smart investments in employee health programs are yielding results.

Despite tight economic times, paying employees to participate in worksite health and wellness programs is almost uniformly believed among employers of all sizes, with and without programs in place, to boost program success and return value. Almost two out of three U.S. companies offer programs to keep employees healthy, and 66 percent of those offering programs also use incentives, with a healthy number showing an ROI of greater than $1 for each dollar spent.

The findings are part of a survey, now in its third year, of the use of incentives. The survey tracks how much employers pay in incentives, what activities they incentivize, and how success and return on investment is measured. The report, "How employers use incentives to keep employees healthy: Perks, programs and peers," was released today by Health2 Resources.

This is the first year that many small-to-midsize companies were included in the survey, revealing the extent of expansion of these programs beyond large companies. The survey explored several new trends, such as the role of primary care in prevention and health management programs and extension of programs to spouses and children.

"During tough economic times, employees who take control of their health and are more engaged and active i
'/>"/>