According to a policy statement from the American Heart Association, AHA, welfare programs in the workplace are an effective way to reduce major risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
Each year, heart disease costs the U.S. $ 304.6 billion, according to the association. The companies spent between 25 and 30 per cent of their annual medical costs on employees who were at significant health risk, especially more likely to experience heart disease and stroke.
However, the financial burden also affects workers, he says, as higher premiums, copayments and deductibles, reduction or elimination of coverage and the pros and cons of insurance benefits and increases in wages or salaries.
“Research shows that businesses can save between $ 3 and $ 15 for every $ 1 spent on health and welfare within 12 to 18 months in implementing a program (welfare in the workplace,” he said in a press release Mercedes Carnethon heart association, the statement’s lead author and assistant professor of preventive medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.
“Besides the cost savings and increased productivity, visionary employers are realizing the value of the overall health of an employee,” he said. “An effective program of wellness in the workplace can attract exceptional employees, improve morale and reduce organizational conflict.
More than 130 million Americans are employed, according to the association, which means that welfare programs in the workplace have the potential to reach a large population.
“We are making great strides in welfare in the workplace, but we also know that half of employees do not have access to these programs, especially because they work in small companies or employers who have a small number of employees in various locations “said Carnethon. “We’re hoping that this article show employers the benefits that these programs could provide to their employees and your bottom line.
Among the keys to a successful program, according to the policy statement include the following:
- Prevention and cessation of smoking
- Regular physical activity
- Reduction and Stress Management
- Early Detection and evaluation
- Education and promotion of nutrition
- Weight Control
- Disease Management
- Education in cardiovascular disease, such as training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillator (AED).
- Changes in the workplace that encourage healthy behaviors and promote occupational safety and health.
Tags: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, medical costs, obesity, organizational conflict, physical activity, stroke, welfare programs, welfare programs in the workplace