Health Care

The secret to better work relationships, sunnier attitudes, and reduced company health care costs is (literally) right at your feet.
The simple act of walking for 30 minutes a day can help boost employee morale by increasing endorphins (the feel good chemicals in the brain) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says companies … Continue Reading »

Despite an increase in smoking cession programs and statewide bans against the cancer causing habit, there has been almost no change, and maybe even a slight increase, in smoking today.

According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20.6% of Americans were smoking in 2008, which is just a shade … Continue Reading »

Today, the word “budget” can be a source of uncertainly for employees. Financial stressors, including a decrease in pay, rising health care costs, 401K investments, credit card debt, and everyday bills can have a negative impact on employee production. A recent study in Human Resources magazine found that more than 53 percent of employees experience—and … Continue Reading »

Did you know …

The cost of work-related injuries to the economy has been estimated to be $127 billion annually, according to the National Safety Council. And back injuries alone cost businesses more than $10 billion in workers’ compensation expenses and approximately 100 million work days each year, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety … Continue Reading »

We’ve all heard the news that preventive care (seeing a health care provider for regular screenings and checkups) can be cost-effective. But if employees don’t fully understand their health care benefits, how can they use them? Here are some suggestions to ensure that employees have the information they need:

Help new employees understand their health … Continue Reading »

What’s most important to your employees? You might be surprised. In a survey of large companies conducted by the National Business Group on Health, 83% of employees surveyed said they would take a cut in salary or a reduction in retirement benefits rather than see their health benefits reduced. With today’s rising health care costs, … Continue Reading »

You’ve done everything, from health fairs to wall posters, and you’re getting good participation in your wellness programs. But you believe you could do better. It’s just that you’re short on new ideas to push participation up.

Why not draw inspiration from some of today’s most successful organizations? Even companies with big budgets don’t overlook the … Continue Reading »

Ever suspect that your company cafeteria or vending machines might be partly to blame for employees’ unhealthy eating habits? Check your cafeteria, vending machines and even catering services to make sure a variety of healthy food choices is available to your employees. Here’s a quick checklist:

For breakfast: Ask your cafeteria to include healthier items such … Continue Reading »

The foundation of any successful health management program is a monthly newsletter — the most effective, cost efficient approach to continued awareness and self-care. Studies have shown that newsletters have a 400% higher readership than other promotional materials.
Newsletters provide an easy way to communicate with your employees, and because they are well … Continue Reading »

Economic times are tough and everyone is cutting back where they can. One moving target that businesses have to deal with is the rising costs of health insurance for employees. Rather than eliminate this valuable benefit that helps attract, keep, and take care of a valued workforce, companies are looking for ways to contain insurance … Continue Reading »