Workplace Wellness Programs

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How to Increase Participation in Workplace Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

Many employers are actively looking at ways to improve health and well-being in their workplaces. Increasing employee participation in health and wellness programs requires strategies to address health risks, engagement with staff, and buy-in and support from management.

Christian Van Stolk

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Building Understanding of the Mental Health Challenges in the Construction Industry

Employers looking to address mental health problems among staff must recognize the causes and understand mental health challenges within the organization. Construction workers could face greater risk than workers in other sectors, but awareness of support and help remains low.

Michael Whitmore, Joscelyne Shaw

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How Businesses Can Take the Lead in Getting People to Sleep More

Insufficient sleep is linked to lower productivity, which results in working days being lost each year. With a few simple measures, employers could help improve the health and well-being of staff, improve their bottom lines, and contribute to a growing economy.

Marco Hafner, Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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Measuring What Works: Workplace Well-Being

The link between productivity and well-being is recognized and increasingly accepted as a prerequisite of strong employer and employee performance. HR professionals and CEOs believe that high employee well-being means high staff engagement and a real intention to do well for the workforce.

Michael Whitmore, Christian Van Stolk

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Claims of Wellness Cost Savings Are Overblown

Workplace wellness has become a $6 billion industry in the United States. Employers hope wellness programs can help control health care costs, but they are having little if any effect on costs. Companies seeking a healthy ROI should target higher-risk employees.

Soeren Mattke

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When It Comes to the Value of Wellness, Ask About Fairness, Not Just About Effectiveness

Some hail workplace wellness programs as cost-effective means to better public health. Others question their value. Data show that both have a point.

Soeren Mattke

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Quick Takes: Do Workplace Wellness Programs Make Business Sense?

The press and trade publications strongly endorse workplace wellness programs as a good investment for employers. Soeren Mattke, a physician and RAND senior scientist, explains why his work tells a different story.

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Wellness Now, Value Later

Wellness programs do in fact reduce health risks, like smoking and obesity, write Soeren Mattke and Kristin Van Busum. But resulting cost savings could not be detected, especially when compared to the costs of the programs.

Soeren Mattke, Kristin R. Van Busum