Have you ever thought about how much time you spend sitting? Between commuting to and from the office, working at your computer, and finally settling into the couch to catch up on your favorite TV shows, the average office worker sits for about 10 hours each day. Humans aren’t meant to spend this much time sedentary, and medical researchers have long warned us that extended periods of sitting are linked to higher risks for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression.
While exercising before or after work is important for a healthy lifestyle, even the most vigorous spin class won’t compensate for extended periods of sitting throughout the day. The body’s metabolism slows down 90 percent after about 30 minutes of sitting, and good cholesterol drops 20 percent after two hours. When you combine a sedentary lifestyle with an unhealthy diet, it’s not surprising that more than 2 in 3 adults are considered to be overweight or obese.
It may sound simple to stand up every half hour and stash healthy snacks in your desk drawer, but it’s not always easy to get the entire office on the same page. Corporate wellness programs aim to fix that. A corporate wellness program uses incentives to get employees to make smart, healthy choices that can reduce healthcare costs, increase productivity, and build a sense of community in the office.
In particular, here are five benefits of a corporate wellness program:
1. Lower healthcare costs for a Business
A corporate wellness program can lower the price of healthcare for the entire office. Intervention processes like nutrition counseling, physiological testing, and stress management lower employees’ health risk factors, which allows the employer to get a better premium on company-wide insurance.
2. Happier employees
According to a 2016 study on the impact of corporate wellness programs, 89 percent of employees said participation improved their overall happiness and wellbeing. When employees are satisfied, they enjoy going to work. In the long run, companies save money by reducing their turnover rates.
3. Increased productivity with healthy and engaged employees
A happy employee is a productive employee. Exercising and eating healthy promotes better concentration and higher energy levels at work. Without the 2 p.m. post-lunch slump, work output is higher and employee performance is more consistent.
4. Fewer sick days
When employees are healthy, they don’t take as many sick days. Employees who are provided with corporate wellness programs often look forward going to the office and exercising with co-workers and friends. Reduced absenteeism leads to a more highly functioning work environment for everyone.
5. Less stress with workplace exercise and diet programs
Stress has been shown to increase a person’s risk for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and a number of mental health conditions. Corporate wellness programs focus on relieving stress in the workplace by offering meditation, yoga classes, and even massage therapy. Reduced stress increases productivity and a makes for happier workers.
Healthcare expenses in America are skyrocketing, and the majority of the costs are falling on the shoulders of employers. Implementing a corporate wellness program is not only a great way to get a better premium on company-wide health insurance – it’s also an investment in the long-term health and happiness of the employees who keep your business running smoothly.
Start a Corporate Wellness Program At your San Diego Business
At Medarts Weight Loss Specialists in San Diego, we know it can be tough to stay healthy in an office. That’s why we offer customizable weight management plans that can be tailored to each employee. With a combination of vitamin injections, anorectic appetite suppressants, and other advanced interventions, we have a corporate wellness program that will match all of your office’s needs.
Contact us today by calling (619) 866-3333 to learn more about how we can help your office meet its goals for a happier, healthier workplace.