Employee wellness programs can be designed in a manner that brings about many positive individual and organizational benefits. In fact, a focus on well-being should be seen as a strategic advantage since employees who feel and think better can lead to an improved bottom line. The problem is that some firms see wellness as an additional employee benefit, rather than a tool for improving the workplace in the long run. Companies such as H-E-B and SAS Institute are changing how these programs are being viewed strategically by managers.

The United States government provides funding and tax breaks to organizations that develop wellness programs, and evidence suggests that healthier employees save firms money through reduced health-related costs. Indeed, research shows that a focus on a healthy work environment can significantly decrease workers’ compensation premiums, lost work time, and other health care expenses. Other similar studies have determined that healthy employees tend to exhibit higher levels of retention in companies that show an interest in supporting positive lifestyles.

Based on responses from approximately 300 employees and top-level leaders representing 10 different companies in varied business sectors (Biltmore, Chevron, Comporium, Healthwise, H-E-B, Johnson & Johnson, Lowe’s, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Nelnet, and SAS Institute), a recent investigation identified many factors that make wellness programs effective:

• Wellness programs must be supported by leaders from all different levels of the organization, including the CEO and other top officials. In addition, a good wellness program needs enthusiastic leaders who develop and coordinate wellness activities, as well as employees who build excitement for the program at the worksite level.

• Initiatives should be closely aligned to the company’s sense of purpose and future business plans.

• Wellness programs need to build excitement among employees through comprehensive, quality activities.

• Initiatives should be provided to employees at little or no cost, and programs should be offered at the worksite so that individuals can easily access wellness benefits.

• Partnerships can be developed internally and externally with other key parties to make wellness programs more viable and desirable.

• Wellness programs need to be communicated with messages that fit the needs of the target participants. In addition, using a variety of communication methods can reach different audiences.

Companies tend to experience many positive benefits from their wellness initiatives. For example, both H-E-B and SAS Institute have determined that enhanced employee well-being leads to decreased overall costs. Companies also see higher job performance and esprit de corps among workers when wellness is championed in the workplace.70

ASSIGNMENT

Review the supplemental case study, Wellness Programs Help the Bottom Line. Provide an Introduction paragraph to briefly explain the case. Use a main heading for each case question to address the topic area being addressed. Provide a brief Conclusion paragraph at the end to give a brief synopsis.

In your case analysis, demonstrate critical thinking along with research support (three credible sources that include at least one recent library journal article) to cover the situation and possible issues, along with providing suggestions for improvement. Consider yourself in the role of a consultant examining the firm and people who work there. What are the concerns to address if applicable? What suggestions and best practices elsewhere might be applied to make improvements? How might the firm implement your ideas? This is your opportunity to problem solve and practice a management perspective for a workplace.

Use APA format for references at end of paper on separate last page, and use in-text cites in body where sources are applied to give proper credit. Double space the paper and indent the first word of each new paragraph. Your case analysis will be 2-3 pages for content. Include a cover sheet which identifies you as the student. Use a header with page number on top right corner. Save the file name with your last name and upload as an attachment using the title assignment link. The case analysis paper will be evaluated using the Supplemental Case Study Rubric.

Questions:

1. What are some factors that you consider to be important predictors of successful wellness programs?

2. What types of activities should companies include in a wellness initiative to increase employee participation?

3. Which of the success factors for wellness programs identified in the case do you think is the most important? Which factor is the least important?