"Cost Benefit Analysis and Report 1979 to 2000"
No author cited
University of Michigan Health Management Research Center, January
2002.
Available Online
While many worksite wellness programs result in significant savings, there
are concerns that these savings are being outpaced by the rising cost of
health insurance, reports this study by the University of Michigan Health
Management Research Center. The report provides an overview of articles
on the cost-effectiveness of wellness programs over the last 21 years. Among
the key findings:
- Comprehensive year-round health programs yielded cost savings of $3
for every $1 spent.
- Influenza vaccinations lowered absentee rates and flu-related health
care costs.
- Back pain and injuries cost businesses between $20-56 billion a year
in medical costs, lost productivity and employee training. Some companies,
however, have met success with back care programs, including Boeing, which
reduced back injuries by 34 percent, saving the company $6 million.
- Fitness programs yielded a variety of benefits, including lower absenteeism,
reduced workplace stress levels and increased employee morale.
The study concludes that wellness programs must generally be in place for
at least one year for risk reduction to occur and one to three years to
show cost-effectiveness.
