Are wellness programs an effective employee retention tool? The results of a poll released Jan. 14 suggests that they are. In all, 45% of the employees surveyed said they would stay at their jobs longer because of the wellness programs their employers offered.
The online survey, sponsored by The Principal Financial Group, polled 1,102 employees at small and medium-sized companies (under 1,000 employees) and 602 retirees. It was conducted in late October.
The survey also found that 26% of employees miss fewer days of work because they participate in wellness programs. Just over half believe that wellness programs are very or somewhat successful in reducing health care costs, and about 30% participate primarily for that reason.
Most employees are interested in wellness programs that improve their physical fitness, the survey found. Onsite fitness facilities were the most desired programs at 27%, followed by fitness center discounts (23%) and weight management programs (19%). Apparently at least some employers were listening last year: Significantly more workers (15%) reported having access to fitness facilities in the fourth quarter of 2009 than a year earlier (11%).
Already Registered?
If you have already registered to By The Numbers, please use the form below to login. When completed you will immediately be directed to post a comment.
Not Registered?
You must be registered to post a comment. Click here to register.
2 Comment(s)
Posted by: Lee D | January 19, 2010 4:28 PM
If you would like a copy of the complete article, please contact me at dukes.lee@principal.com.
Report this Comment
Posted by: Wellman | January 19, 2010 1:17 PM
This is good info. Do you have access to a similar survey for larger companies and do you know if any of the survey questions focus on on-site clinics?
Report this Comment
Add Your Comments...