Scott MacStravic of the World Health Care Blog suggests that when wading into the workplace wellness pool, employers should begin with a weight management program:
Obese workers, for example, account for almost $9000 higher disability costs per case than normal-weight employees, and have significantly more cases. “Worksite Weight Management Programs Pay Off for Business” PRNewswire.com Aug 19, 2007] …
The worksite is arguably one of the best places to promote weight loss, particularly when it includes fitness centers, healthy foods in cafeteria and vending machines, walking trails, and similar support mechanisms.
He’s got the right idea. In covering workplace wellness and employee health initiatives over the last few years, we have seen employers have great success in this area by utilizing wellness champions, lunch n’ learn programs, health coaching and other outreach. By focusing on obesity as an initial wellness program, employers will no doubt reduce some other risk factors (high blood pressure, heart problems, depression) that accompany chronic illness and take their toll on productivity.
