Building a Wellness Program

Evidence clearly indicates that a healthy workplace is a great investment. The following statistics are examples of companies who report having used a Comprehensive Workplace Health Promotion approach.

• At MDS Nordion in Kanata , Ontario their employee turnover rate is 6% compared to the industry norm of 10%. Their annual sick days are 4 days per employee compared to the Canadian average of 8 days. They also reported that they had an all-time low in lost time injuries.¹

• B.C. Hydo conducted an internal cost benefit analysis after a ten-year wellness program which showed the program returned a saving of $3 for every dollar spent. ²

• When Canada Life Insurance evaluated its wellness program, it found that each dollar the corporation had spent on health promotion returned an estimated $3.43.³

• Telus saved 45 million in 1998 ($3 for every $1 spent) through efforts of its Corporate Health Team focus on individual health (Graham S. Lowe, 2003)

  Comprehensive Workplace Wellness Programs have been shown to:

• improve employee health
• improve morale and job satisfaction
• improve corporate image
• increase productivity
• decrease absenteeism
• decrease accidents, insurance and workers compensation claims
• reduce staff turnover
• reduce benefits costs

Research shows that employees in safer, healthier and more supportive workplaces help businesses keep a competitive edge.

For more information on creating a Business Case, investigate the resources at The Health Communication Unit.