Many companies now are offering workplace wellness programs to help lower health care costs and improve employees' health, but a recent study also finds that these programs offer another benefit: They boost employee loyalty and engagement.
The study, conducted by St. Louis-based Maritz Inc., a marketing research company, found that employees who work at companies that offer wellness programs generally are more satisfied with their jobs, tend to remain with an employer for a longer period of time, and are more likely to recommend the company as an employer to others. The study also found that even occasional program participants have higher engagement levels.
Based on the study, there also is a strong relationship between the level of participation in a wellness program and absenteeism at work. Employees who consistently participate in a wellness program at least once a week are out sick less often, as are those who only sporadically attend such programs. The findings also indicate that employees who attend once a week are less likely to be sick or absent for extended periods of time.
Despite the benefits of wellness programs for companies and employees, however, participation remains flat in spite of a 7 percent increase in the prevalence of these programs since 2006, when Maritz conducted a similar study.
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Written by Jenny Cromie, certified human resources specialist (CHRS)
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