Research Studies

"Cost Benefit Analysis and Report 1979 to 2000"

No author cited
University of Michigan Health Management Research Center, January 2002.

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.

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