• According to a recent study, almost 88 percent of those surveyed were interested in an employer-sponsored wellness program, and 67 percent said they would be likely to use it.¹⁹
• Incentives increase participation - Earning days off (55 percent), reducing health premiums (53 percent), being challenged to reach a goal or win a contest (51 percent), and receiving gym discounts (49 percent) also would motivate employees.²⁰
• More than 74 percent said health and lifestyle had a significant impact upon productivity, and lack of energy was reported as the number one hindrance to productivity.²¹
• Recent studies indicate that over 50% of corporate profits now go for health care costs versus only 7% three decades ago.²²
• Wellness programs that target overweight and obesity issues caused a 26% reduction in health care claims, a 27% reduction in sick leave, and a 32% reduction in workers’ compensation costs.²³
• Wellness programs have increased 68% between 2003 and 2007.²⁴
• Employers save between $1.49 and $4.91 for every dollar they invest in early health and wellness programs for their employees.²⁵
• Companies save, on average, $3.48 in medical costs and $5.82 in absenteeism for every dollar spent on workplace health promotion programs.²⁶
• Almost 1/4th of all insurance costs can be attributed to "high-risk" employees with conditions such as tobacco use, high blood pressure and obesity.²⁷

• Eating right to help achieve a healthy lifestyle
• Weight loss
• Early cancer detection
• Reducing stress
• Relationship tips
• Ergonomics
• Heart health
• Health observances

• Create and distribute a newsletter, e-newsletter, internal Web site, posters, and other materials for regular, ongoing communications
• Offer flexible hours or incentives for healthy living
• Provide healthy food and snacks in office vending machines or cafeteria
• Provide stress-management tips
• Create an employee walking path and/or fitness facility
• Establish 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. stretch breaks
• Encourage wellness checkup appointments
• Conduct Lunch-and-Learn sessions on various health-related topics
• Launch "Take the Stairs" campaign
• Offer online health assessments and resources

"Tips for a Safe and Healthy Life" from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• A study shows that when EAP services are provided work loss was avoided in 60% of cases with an average of 17 hours per case. 72% of these cases showed improved work productivity with an average gain of 43%. ²⁸
• An employer-sponsored EAP program can reduce an employer’s disability costs, medical costs, pharmacy costs and workers’ compensation costs. ²⁹
• EAPs appear to have a positive affect on disability claims, according to recent studies. ³⁰
• EAP programs have increased 73% between 2003 and 2007.³¹
• Companies without an EAP had 6% of employees on disability leave annually, compared to just 2% of workers for employers with EAP services. ³²
• Companies without an EAP had 598 short-term disability claims for musculoskeletal disorders (such as back pain), compared to 312 claims for companies with an EAP. ³³
• On average, workers with musculoskeletal disorders at companies without an EAP remained away from work 22 days longer than those who used an EAP. ³⁴
• Cancer survivors who used an EAP returned to work 6 days sooner than those who didn't use and EAP. ³⁵
• The Return on Investment for employers that use an EAP in conjunction with disability benefits is $2.93 for every dollar spent on the EAP and disability insurance. ³⁶

Studies show how EAPs Improve Employee Health and Productivity.

Contact your HR department or broker for more information on EAPs.