Health and Safety in the Workplace

Studies suggest that for every $1 invested in Workplace Health Promotion Programs, a company saves $3 to $5 in health and safety costs. Organizations that invest in Workplace Health Promotion Programs reap the financial rewards through savings on health care costs, disability pay, rates of absenteeism, turnover and safety problems. 

workplaces have already proven to be a great place to promote wellness. After all, people spend more time at work than doing anything else. Eighty-two percent of the U.S. population is linked in some way to a worksite. Therefore, providing Workplace Health Promotion Programs is a great way to reach a substantial number of people in your area. 

Workplace Health Promotion Programs in Small Businesses 

Unlike large businesses, small businesses frequently lack the resources to provide Workplace Health Promotion Programs to their staff members. However, they may be the most in need of such services. Small businesses are the hardest hit by medical insurance costs and have the highest rates of substance abuse. Staff Member well-being and physical or mental illness can also be more disruptive in a small business environment. Workplace Health Promotion Programs in small businesses also makes sense because small firms employ the majority of working citizens. 

Regardless of the size of a business, Workplace Health Promotion Programs can pay. Statistically, even if there are only 100 people in a company: 

• 60 sit all day to do their work

• 50 don’t wear their safety belts regularly

• 50 feel they’re under moderate stress

• 35 are overweight by 20% or more

• 30 smoke

• 27 have cardiovascular disease

• 25 or more have high cholesterol (over 200 mg/dl)

• 10 are heavy drinkers

• 10 have high blood pressure

• 5 have diagnosed diabetes and another 5 have undiagnosed diabetes

• 7 use marijuana

• 1 uses cocaine 

Bottom Line Workplace Health Promotion Program Benefits 

At least one quarter of the health care costs incurred by working adults can be attributed to modifiable health risks (e.g., diet, exercise, tobacco use, etc.) Fortunately, there is a way to hold back the trend. Growing research links an individual’s lifestyle behaviors to their health risk. 

The good news is Workplace Health Promotion Programs can: 

• Lower health care costs

• Lower workers’ compensation claims

• Lower staff member rates of absenteeism

• Improve worker productivity

• Improve staff member morale 

The bottom line is that Workplace Health Promotion Programs can benefit any size business — small or large.