How to Implement and Manage an Employee Wellness Program

Author: Francis P. Morley

Studies have shown that employers, large and small, have benefited greatly by implementing and maintaining an employee wellness program. Over time, benefits reported by employers include reduced health care related costs, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, higher morale and increased employee retention.

Wellness programs offered by employers vary widely depending on the size, culture, resources and industry of the employer. Some programs are very simple and inexpensive to implement and manage, while others are more complex and require substantial financial resources, but deliver overall benefits to the employer over time in health care related cost reductions, increased productivity and employee retention.

An employer should review all of the steps below and incorporate those items that best fit the employer's size, budget restrictions, needs and resources.