Running Head: THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 1

The Benefits of Workplace Wellness Programs on Overall

Employee Health and Work Performance

Leah Miranda

PPE310 86419

Dr. Jennifer Houston

December 2, 2017
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 2

The Benefits of Workplace Wellness Programs on Overall Employee

Health and Work Performance

Introduction

E-portfolio link: www.lmiranda3.weebly.com

It is widely known that obesity and chronic diseases are on the rise in the United States.

According to a study by the Milken Institute, chronic disease cases are increasing at a rate that

costs the U.S. $1 trillion a year (DeVries, 2010). Many work environments require employees to

remain sedentary for long periods of time. They also do not offer nutritious snack and beverage

options which can contribute to an employees poor health. Most people spend most of their

week at the workplace, so offering education and programs to employees to improve their health

can have a big impact. Workplace wellness programs are designed to assess employees health

risks, provide education on disease prevention and lifestyle changes as well as offer tools and

programs to assist with improving overall health. Research shows a positive impact wellness

programs have on overall employee health which then leads to better work performance and

attendance. One study found that employers saved an average of $294 per employee per year in

relation to days missed of work after implementing a wellness program (Baicker, Culter & Song,

2010). Using the research to follow, the benefits of such programs will be presented to

workplace management in an effort to encourage adoption of workplace health and wellness

programs. As a way to kick off improved employee health, the company will host a weight loss

challenge titled The Biggest Loser inspired by the popular television show. Employees can

voluntarily participate in a six-week weight loss challenge with weekly weigh-ins. The employee

who loses the most weight (i.e. percentage lost based on starting weight and ending weight) will

win the jackpot prize.

THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 3

Review of Current Literature

A nine-year longitudinal study was conducted to determine which modifiable daily

behaviors had the most impact on long-term health outcomes (Byrne et al., 2016). Researchers

wished to address which daily behaviors were directly associated with development of chronic

disease. The study consisted of over 10,000 voluntary participants in a workplace wellness

program over the course of ten years and the outcome of their healthy choices. Participants

completed annual health risk assessments (HRAs) and some areas of focus were aerobic

exercise, low-fat diet intake, consumption of whole grains, and an increased intake of fruits and

vegetables. Results showed that a low-fat diet had a significant protective effect on the

development of hypertension, obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. Aerobic exercise was the

next most significant behavior, resulting in a lower risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and

high cholesterol. Researchers concluded that a low-fat diet and aerobic exercise had the most

significant effect on the prevention of developing a chronic disease. They also concluded

programs that promote and encourage these positive behaviors, like workplace wellness

programs, are beneficial.

A five-year study was conducted in the United Kingdom to evaluate an employee

wellness program aimed at improving overall health of employees in the National Health

Services (NHL) workplaces (Blake, Zhou, Batt, 2013). It was observed that employees in this

large workplace were experiencing poor health and well-being resulting from lack of

recommended exercise and poor diet choices, issues that also regularly affect U.S. employees.

During the five-year period, the wellness program introduced interventions via an employee

gym, a dedicated wellness website, exercise class timetable, dietary interventions, regular health

campaigns and more. Health and well-being surveys were completed at the beginning and end of
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 4

the study. A significant increase in physical activity was reported across different categories.

Activity at work, travelling to work by bike or walking, self-efficacy for physical activity and

social support for both activity and healthy eating all increased. Employees who reported an

increase in activity also reported higher job satisfaction and sickness absence levels decreased

significantly from 4.9% to 2.6%.

Mattke et al. (2013) used multiple methods to investigate the impact of workplace

wellness programs on employee health and medical costs. They also considered wellness

program characteristics and factors that made them successful, like incentives. They used four

data collection methods: a review of scientific literature, the RAND Employer survey (a national

survey of employers with 50 employees or more), statistical analyses of medical claims and data

to determine the effects on health and medical cost, and finally, five case studies of existing

wellness programs. Through their extensive research, they found that interventions as part of a

workplace wellness program increased healthy behaviors such as increased physical activity and

can reduce unhealthy behaviors.

Researchers conducted a study using thirty-six workplace wellness program samples

(Baicker, Cutler & Song, 2010). Their aim was to examine the relationship between wellness

programs and improved health, absenteeism and lowered medical costs. Results found that on

average, employers saved $358 on health costs per employee per year, while the wellness

programs cost only $144 per employee per year. The impact of wellness programs on

absenteeism was also considered. Healthier employees resulted from the implementation of

wellness programs which in turn, resulted in fewer work absences and increased performance.

A study was conducted by researchers to determine the effects of physical activity and

fitness programs on illness-related absences from the workplace (Losina, Yang, Deshpande, Katz
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 5

& Collins, 2017). Participants in the wellness program were given a Fitbit Flex to calculate and

track their steps and activity. Employees were divided into groups and could earn monetary

incentives for increasing activity from the previous week by 10% or by meeting the CDC

guidelines for aerobic activity. Their results found that participants who met the CDC guidelines

for aerobic activity during the intervention period missed an average of 5 hours of work due to

illness. Participants in the middle activity group missed an average of 11 hours and those in the

lowest group of activity missed 19 hours due to illness. This clearly shows the relationship

between physical activity and illness-related absences.

Synthesis of Information

All of the articles reviewed concluded that workplace wellness programs are beneficial in

some way to both employees and employers. From this research, areas of improvement include:

decreased or lowered risk of developing chronic disease, increased physical activity, increased

job satisfaction, lowered health care costs and decreased absenteeism due to illness. A similar

theme throughout the articles was that employees who participated in the workplace wellness

programs did so voluntarily, but many of the programs offered incentives to encourage employee

participation. This was found to be an effective way to increase involvement and maintain

participation over time. The two longer studies, performed over a course of 5 and 10 years, found

that wellness programs have a positive effect on employee health over time and with prolonged

exposure to wellness tools and programs, employees were able to maintain their healthy

behaviors.

Overall, this research supports the adoption of workplace wellness programs and the

positive effects they have on overall employee health. With this evidence, employers will be able

to see how wellness programs can be cost effective and sustainable, actually saving the company
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 6

money (Baicker, Culter & Song, 2010). It is important for employers to provide their employees

with tools and opportunities to lead healthy and active lifestyles through workplace wellness

programs. Not only does it result in healthier, happier employees, but it also results in increased

attendance and work performance.

Practical Implications
Sovereign Healthcare is a large company with many different locations. There is the

Central Business Office located in Phoenix as well as multiple surgical centers located

throughout Arizona and California. This proposal will be focused on the Central Business Office

and the implementation of a weight loss program titled The Biggest Loser. The practical

implications being explored for this event include: Marketing, Scheduling, Engagement, a

Wellness Committee, Administration and Funding.

Marketing

Promoting the event will first start with marketing to employees. Promotional flyers

(Appendix A) will be posted in common areas such as meeting rooms, the office break room and

the restrooms. The flyers will post important event information like the dates, the event schedule

and times as well as the meeting place for the weekly weigh-ins. Participants will also get a T-

shirt (Appendix B) to be worn on weigh-in days promoting the event and healthy choices. Lastly,

using the companys Outlook program to send out virtual meeting reminders to participants will

be utilized.

Administration

Approval from administration for the event will be necessary. A compiled list of data will

be presented showing the positive implications of workplace wellness programs (Appendix C).

Research shows that wellness programs can generate savings as well as improve work

performance and attendance (Baicker, Cutler & Song, 2010) all which will be included in the
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 7

proposal. The proposal will ask administration for permission for employees to participate in

weigh-in meetings each week. The meetings should not exceed thirty minutes per week. As an

alternative, if management does not approve these meetings, one member of the wellness

committee could take a portable scale to each participants desk for weekly weigh-ins.

Funding

The Biggest Loser Challenge will have a monetary prize earned by the winner. The cost

of the T-shirts will also need to be considered, approximately $200 per twenty participants. The

proposal to administration (Appendix C) will also include a company financial contribution. The

entire event should cost no more than $400 for promotional materials, T-shirts and a $100 prize

jackpot. If the company is unwilling to cover the cost of the event, the second option would be to

have participants pay a small fee to participate. If each employee paid $15 to participate in the

event, this would cover the cost of the T-shirts as well as a jackpot for the winner.

Wellness Committee

Developing a Wellness Committee will ensure the successful implementation of the

event. One role will be treasurer. This person will be responsible for purchasing the T-shirts. If

funding is reliant on participants paying a fee, the treasurer will also be responsible for collecting

and keeping track of the funds. Another member of the committee will oversee marketing. They

will be responsible for printing and posting the event fliers and sending out the emails and

calendar reminder to participants. Lastly, another member will be in charge of the weekly

meetings. They will weigh and record participants each week as well as calculate their progress.

Engagement

Keeping employees engaged and motivated is key to the success of this event. A jackpot

of $100 will be used as an incentive. Also, weekly meetings, although short in length, will aim to
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 8

be fun and motivational. The wellness committee will set up healthy/nutritious snacks for

employees. The meeting leader will also facilitate conversation between the participants to

include discussion of successes that week, suggestions for healthy eating and new physical

activity ideas to encourage continued participation.

Scheduling

The event will run a duration of six weeks. The first meeting will begin with an initial

weigh in. Every Friday morning, a weekly meeting will be held for thirty minutes in the break

room to weigh in participants. Employees will also converse about success, struggles they are

having and brainstorm new ideas during this time.

Conclusion

The overall goal of The Biggest Loser Challenge is to kickstart employees into

making healthier choices. This event will be one of many as part of the new proposed wellness

program at Sovereign Healthcare. The research presented shows how beneficial wellness

programs can be to employees overall health and work performance. Not only do they benefit

employees, but they also benefit employers in saving money on health care costs and lost

productivity.

Over time, it is the goal of the wellness committee to continue to hold events for

employees that promote a healthy and active lifestyle. There are many approaches to

implementing wellness programs and over the next year, creating new and exciting programs for

employees is key. Some examples of future events might be a physical activity challenge using

the gym located in the office building. One event might focus on smoking cessation which may

provide employees with tools and resources to quit smoking. If the wellness program being used

at the Central Business Office experiences success, it is hoped that in three years, the program
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 9

can begin to be implemented at the other branches and locations of the company. This would

mean the promotion of healthy living to thousands of employees. In five years, the goal is to

have the majority of employees participating in the wellness programs company wide.
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 10

Appendix A
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Appendix B
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 12

Appendix C
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 13

References

Baicker, K., Cutler, D., & Song, Z. (2010). Workplace wellness programs can generate

savings. Health Affairs, 29(2), 304-11. Retrieved from

http://login.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-

com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/docview/204622110?accountid=4485

Blake, H., Zhou, D., & Batt, M. (2013). Five-year workplace wellness intervention in the

NHS. Perspectives in Public Health, 133(5), 262-271. Retrieved from ASU Online

Library.

Byrne, Rolando, Aliyu, Mcgown, Connor, Awalt, . . . Yarbrough. (2016). Modifiable healthy

lifestyle behaviors: 10-Year health outcomes from a health promotion program. American

Journal of Preventive Medicine,51(6), 1027-1037. Retrieved from ASU Online Library.

Losina, E., Yang, H., Deshpande, B., Katz, J., & Collins, J. (2017). Physical activity and

unplanned illness-related work absenteeism: Data from an employee wellness

program. PLoS One, 12(5), PLoS One, May 2017, Vol.12(5). Retrieved from ASU

Online Library.

Mattke, S., Liu, H., Caloyeras, J., Huang, C. Y., Van Busum, K. R., Khodyakov, D., & Shier, V.

(2013). Workplace Wellness Programs Study: Final Report. Rand Health Quarterly, 3(2),

7. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4945172

/?report=printable
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 14

Rubric for Signature Assignment

Criteria with 5 4 3 2 1
Professional
Standards Exemplary Highly Proficient Approaching Unsatisfactor
Proficient Proficient y
Referenced (97 100%) (83 92%)
(93 96%) (73 82%) (72%
and below)
Outline 9-10 Points 7-8 Points 5-6 Points 3-4 Points 1-2 Points

Outline Turned Logical, Brief Brief outline Brief outline No outline

In(Already detailed outline with with some with one or was
submitted for outline with at at least 5 references no references submitted.
points) least 5 original but not 5 submitted.
original peer peer original peer
reviewed reviewed reviewed
references references references
written in written in written in
APA format is APA APA format
submitted format is are
with a submitted. submitted.
technology
choice
selected to
embed the
assignment.

Introduction 9-10 Points 7-8 Points 5-6 Points 3-4 Points 1-2 Points

Introduction to Introduction is Introductio Introduction Introduction Introduction

the topic and fully n is fully is addressed is addressed is omitted or
overview (In developed, developed well, adequately. was
your purpose well with all somewhat disorganized
statement also organized, topics organized and did not
introduce all
introduces all introduced. and created a create a plan
subtopics)
topics, created plan for the for the paper.
a plan for the paper
paper and
InTASC 1c,k;
5k; 9f; 10h
invites the
reader to read
NAEYC 6b further.
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 15

NETS-T 3a,d;
4a,c
CEC EC2S1;
CC7K1;
EC7K1;CC9K4
;CC9S8
13-15 Points 10-12 Points 6-9 Points 5-7 Points 1-4 Points
Literature
Review
Adequacy of 1. Literature 1. 1. Literature 1. Literature 1. Literature
Knowledge review Literature review may review does review does
(includes 5 peer highlights review address major not address not have the
reviewed major issues addresses issues, but the major depth of
original in the area. major issues may issues in the knowledge
research articles issues in not be area; the appropriate to
2. Through the area. supported level of this upper
references)
use of a range with expert support for level course.
InTASC 1c,k; of references 2.
5k; 9f; 10h
knowledge. the issues is
to support key Thorough not adequate.
NAEYC 6b issues. use of a
range of 2. Includes
references 2. Good use less than 2
to support of references, 2. Includes 3 references.
NETS-T 3a,d; 3. Description but additional references.
4a,c of important key issues.
references
studies may have
establishes strengthened
CEC EC2S1; context for the 3. Includes the paper.
CC7K1; reader. descriptions
EC7K1;CC9K4 of
;CC9S8 important
studies to 3. Includes 4
4. Includes references.
more than 5 provide
informative context for
references. the reader.

4. Includes
5 or more
references.
Synthesis of 13-15 Points 10-12 Points 6-9 Points 5-7 Points 1-4 Points
Information
Synthesis of 1. Studies Studies Information The literature The literature
Information covering the covering is presented review is a review does
(what did the same topic the same study-by- mixed set of not
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 16

articles synthesize topic are study rather ideas without demonstrate a

collectively say related summarize than a particular particular
about the topic? research. d and summarized focus. focus and
Which authors integrated by topic. lacks ideas
had similar and based on the
different level work.
2. Described subject
findings?)
similar or 2. Described chosen.
InTASC 1c,k; differing and similar or
5k; 9f; 10h detailed differing
NAEYC 6b themes themes 2. Described
throughout the throughout similar or
NETS-T 3a,d; articles the articles differing
4a,c which were themes
CEC EC2S1; not detailed throughout
CC7K1; 3. the articles,
EC7K1;CC9K4 Demonstrate however they
;CC9S8 thoroughly 3. Somewhat were not
how your demonstrated detailed
research and how your
the data research and
collected the data 3. Did not
supports your collected demonstrate
stance on why supports your how your
your healthy stance on research and
and active why your the data
school plan is healthy and collected
not only active school supports your
important for plan is not stance on
hope and only why your
engagement at important for healthy and
your school hope and active school
and in your engagement plan is not
community, at your only
but ties to school and in important for
academic your hope and
success in community, engagement
your but ties to at your
classroom as academic school and in
well. success in your
your community,
classroom as but ties to
well. academic
success in
your
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 17

classroom as
well.
Practical 27-30 Points 23-26 Points 19-22 Points 15-18 Points 1-14 Points
Implications
and Technology
infusion
Practical 1. Practical 1. Practical 1. Practical 1. Practical 1. Practical
Implications implications implication implications implications implications
(Discuss how of your event s are are discussed are not are not
the findings can details discussed but not at a thoroughly discussed and
or will later be including your but not particularly discussed and no details of
applied to your
teaching level related to a level or in a only a few the event are
teaching
setting) and in a particular particular details of the present.
particular teaching setting and event are
InTASC 1c,k; setting are setting or many details present
5k; 9f; 10h discussed topic or of your event 2. Contained
NAEYC 6b thoroughly. A certain are missing. 3 or fewer
minimum of 6 details are components
NETS-T 3a,d; topics are missing. of a
4a,c applied. 2. Contained comprehensi
CEC EC2S1; at least 4-5 ve school
CC7K1; components program
EC7K1;CC9K4 2. Contains of a
;CC9S8 thorough comprehensi
discussion on ve school 3. Contains
how each of program; little
the 6 however, discussion on
program/comp some of the which
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in place are is missing. mponents are
organized, currently in
conducted, place
and overseen 3. Most
or a detailed programs/co
plan about mponents 4. Few
how each implemented programs/co
component include mponents
can be added. discussion on implemented
modifications include
for those with discussion on
3. All disabilities. modifications
programs/com for those with
ponents disabilities.
implemented 4.
include Technology
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 18

discussion on infusion was 5.

modifications used but it Technology
for those with did not infusion was
disabilities. enhance the not used.
proposal

4. Contained
discussion on
a specific
health
behavior
highlighted by
the special
event

5. Embedding
Technology as
a platform to
enhance your
proposal
Conclusion 9-10 Points 7-8 Points 5-6 Points 3-4 Points 1-2 Points
Conclusion Major issues The major The Provides No
support and issues are conclusions opinions, but conclusions
ITASC 1c,k;
5k; 9f; 10h establish summarize are not not a are included.
conclusions. d under complete. summary of
NAEYC 6b conclusions findings.
NETS-T 3a,d; .
4a,c
CEC EC2S1;
CC7K1;
EC7K1;CC9K4
;CC9S8
Writing and 9-10 Points 7-8 Points 5-6 Points 3-4 Points 1-2 Points
Referencing
Style
First Draft of all Detailed draft Detailed Detailed draft Missing Incomplete
sections of all sections draft of of MOST sections or (missing half
submitted with of the paper ALL sections with paper has of the
changes made with sections some errors regular errors requirements)
integrating appropriate with some in content across or completely
instructor
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the outline headers, content headings, covered, paper.
THE BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE WELLNESS 19

writing style, covered, writing style headings,

a choice of headings, and/or writing style
technology to writing references in and/or
embed the style and/or APA 6.0 references in
assignment references style. APA 6.0
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Integration of All comments Most Some Very few No comments

instructor from comments comments comments from
comments from instructor from from from instructor
first draft integrated into instructor instructor instructor integrated
(Sub-Section of final version. integrated integrated integrated into final
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yellow were were were not
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Writing and 1. Cover page 1. Cover 1. Cover page 1. Cover page 1. Cover page
referencing included, page included, not included, not included,
style proper included, some many major
(Sub-Section of spelling and few grammatical grammatical grammatical
Writing and grammar, all grammatica errors and errors and errors and
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APA 6.0 style. misspelling some errors some errors many errors
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appropriate references style APA style APA style APA
length (at least in APA 6.0 6.0. 6.0. 6.0.
5 pages) style.

2. Paper was 2. Paper was 2. Paper was

2. The file 2. Paper too short for too short for too short for
document was the topic (3-4 the topic (1-2 the topic (1-2
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contains length (at
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5. Most 5. Many
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