Employee Wellness Programs Pay for Themselves … And Then Some

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As a small business, keeping your employees healthy and happy should be a top priority, but what you may not know is that there’s a big financial incentive for doing so.

For every dollar spent on employee wellness programs, companies save $3 on average in costs, according to a new survey from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. 70% of U.S. employers offer some kind of wellness benefit, and 83% of those report a positive return on their investment.

Flu shots, health risk assessments and smoking cessation programs are the most popular wellness programs, according to the survey. Fitness and nutrition programs are also popular, like walking and fitness challenges, weight loss and weight management, and on-site fitness centers and equipment.

Incentives like gift cards, prizes and cash rewards can boost participation in such programs. Making wellness programs fun could be another way to make your small business a great place to work.

Adapted from Healthy Employees Can Boost Your Bottom Line at Baseline Magazine.