Due to current economic conditions, many companies are shutting their doors, downsizing, and businesses are looking for ways to save money. Employee benefit programs, such as health insurance, paid vacation time, and bonuses is just one area that has received a lot of scrutiny. According to the 2009 Employee Benefits Survey released by SHRM indicated that 60% of human resource specialists who responded to the survey indicated that the current economic downturn has impacted their employers' benefits offerings. However, despite all the efforts to cut corners, there is one particular benefits area that has seen significant efforts to augment current offerings--preventive health and wellness.
Offering preventive health and wellness benefits is a method in which employers reward employees for taking measures to prevent chronic diseases and illnesses by reimbursing a specified dollar amount monthly or yearly. Examples of preventive health measures include acupuncture, health club memberships, chiropractic care, and mental health counseling. Engaging in this practice will not only improve employee health thereby reducing absenteeism but it will also lower the cost of healthcare for everyone involved.
The SHRM survey supports this trend:
* Within the next 12 months, 10% of respondents indicated that they are going to implement health and lifestyle coaching.
* 5% of respondents are going to begin offering wellness resources, information, and weight loss programs.
* 7% of respondents who currently have employees with chronic health conditions plan to launch preventive programs targeted at these employees.
* Finally, 10% of respondents have indicated that they are going to implement rewards or bonuses for acheiving or completing certain health and wellness goals. Based on the 2009 Employee Benefits Survey along with the need for employers to save money while still offering employee benefits, it is evident that preventive health and wellness benefits are the wave of the future.
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