Many chronic health conditions are lifestyle-related and therefore preventable. “Does your company offer corporate wellness programs?” Here is a Monster Canada poll based on 2,857 employees:

• 68% replied “no, but I wish they did” / 20% said “yes, and I really appreciate them” / a mere 10% were not interested. (Monster Canada poll)
• 88% of workers see great value in corporate wellness programs, even though only 20% of them have access to such services
• 83.1% of Canadian workers identified stress as the major health concern within their organization. (Canadian Mental Health Association)
• 82% of employees report that their employer is doing nothing to keep them

The Real Stress-Related Absenteeism Cost to Canadian employers (Chrysalis Performance Inc research):

• About $3.5 billion each year (Statscan)
• 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress (Statscan)
• Absenteeism contributes to 19% of absenteeism costs
• Makes up 40% of turnover costs / 55% of EAP costs / 30% of STD-LTD costs
• 60% of workplace accidents
• 10% of drug plan costs

“A corporate wellness strategy that focuses on prevention and raises awareness offers cost avoidance opportunity, one case at a time.” - Mok Lan Ho

• As little as 25-minutes of moderate activity a day can offset some of the negative effects of eight hours of sitting. Small steps toward more active lifestyles transform into big health gains over time (Harvard Health Blog):
• For every dollar spent on wellness promotion, a company can expect a return of between $1.15 and $8.00 (Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA)
• BC Hydro – saved $3 for every $1 spent on a wellness program
• Canada Life Insurance – saved $3.43 for every $1 spent on a fitness program
• Pillsbury Company – saved $3.63 in health-related costs for every $1 spent on a wellness program
• Coors Brewing Company – saved $6.15 for every $1 spent on a fitness program

• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s) account for more than 600,000 injuries and illnesses and 34 percent of all workdays lost
• Movement reduces musculoskeletal disorders among employees, improving muscle elasticity, flexibility and range of motion
• Employers pay an extra $488 per year for every sedentary employee. (Lowe)
• Physical activity can improve arthritis symptoms by 40 percent
• Moderate exercise strengthens the immune system, helping to fight off colds
• Exercise alleviates some symptoms of Parkinson’s and can slow progression
• Exercise can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• Sitting too much for too long increases the risk of dying early
• Five minutes of movement every hour during the workday lifts moods, combats lethargy, and enhances focus and alertness
• Twenty minutes of exercise a day can act as an anti-inflammatory
• Physical activity is associated with a lower risk of 13 types of cancer

“Even if they don’t take advantage, offering [wellness] programs sends the message to employees that their employer cares about them.  They like knowing the option is there if they ever need it.” - Seth Serxner, Optum’s Chief Health Officer

An Optum Survey based on 1200 full-time employees at companies with at least 3000 employees):

• Engagement in employee wellness programs was linked to greater employee retention.
• Greater employee loyalty was also found in employees that were offered, but did not participate in an employee wellness program.
• 48% of employees that always or frequently participate in their employee wellness program are likely to recommend their employer. 
• Only 18% of employees without an employee wellness program were likely to recommend their employer. 
• The cost to replace low-wage employees (<$30,000 per year) and medium-wage employees ($30,000-$50,000 per year) is 16% and 20% of annual salary, respectively (Center For American Progress study)
• Loss of higher wage employees is more costly with a greater financial impact to employer.

https://blog.wellable.co/wellness-programs-linked-to-employee-retention-even-for-non-participants

https://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CostofTurnover.pdf

https://hiring.monster.ca/employer-resources/workforce-management/employee-retention-strategies/company-benefits-for-employee-retention/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/self-esteem

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/basics/attention

https://www.onsitesafety.com/safety-articles/benefits-workplace-stretching/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/changepower/201703/is-it-true-movement-is-medicine

https://www.developgoodhabits.com/psychology-daily-routines

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110208131529.htm

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/relaxation-benefits-meditation-stronger-relaxation-benefits-taking-vacation-2016102710532


https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mental-downtime/

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mental-downtime

https://www.verywellmind.com/power-napping-health-benefits-and-tips-stress-3144702

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201703/12-quick-mini-meditations-calm-your-mind-and-body


https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mental-downtime/

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/working-all-day-with-a-laptop-is-bad-news-for-your-body-heres-what-you-can-do-about-it_uk_5f213240c5b66a5dd6371768

https://hiring.monster.ca/employer-resources/recruiting-strategies/attracting-job-candidates/engaging-your-workforce-with-a-modern-approach/