Workplace and Community Wellness

Poor health is putting the economy and businesses nationwide in jeopardy. Prevention has a high return on investment, helping to curb direct and indirect costs associated with poor worker health. Obesity-related worker absenteeism costs an estimated $4.3 billion annually. The indirect costs to employers of poor worker health include lower productivity in the workplace, higher rates of disability, higher rates of injury, and more workers’ compensation claims. Research indicates that employees are more productive in the workplace if they are physically and mentally healthy. Therefore, in addition to workplace wellness, employers should support and promote community-based prevention related efforts to further promote healthy environments for their employees and their families at home.