Hit Our Gym, Not Just Our Time-clock!

The health of a company’s workforce is an important driver in that company’s success.  An unhealthy workforce can significantly impact employers through reduced productivity and, for those who sponsor employee health benefits, can increase health care-related costs.

Citing overall obesity statistics in the US…

·       8 out of 10 individuals, over the age of 25, are considered overweight (1).

·       Among US workers:

o   During the 1988-1994’s, 44% of US workers were classified as normal weight and 20% were considered obese based on body mass index (BMI).

o   From 1999-2000, those classified as normal weight dropped to 34% and obese increased to 29% (2).

Increasing weight can lead to increased prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, such as:

·       Hypertension - high blood pressure

·       Dyslipidemia - abnormal amount of lipids, like fat and/or cholesterol, in the blood

·       Metabolic syndrome - combination of medical disorders increasing the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease (2)

Work environments can also be a source of mental stress.  At a WorldAtWork Conference, hosted in Dallas in 2010, 82% of employers surveyed cited that health care costs were “significantly or moderately impacted by worker stress (3).”

The consideration of hosting an on-site fitness facility, as well as focused health and wellness programs, has the potential of improving the immediate and long-term health and morale of employees, and reducing health costs.

On-site fitness facilities can involve or include the following facilities and programs:

·       Traditional gyms, including: treadmills, stationary bikes, weights/weight machines

·       Structured fitness programs and classes, including: aerobics, yoga, or Pilates

·       Wellness classes, including: weight, diabetes management, or smoking cessation programs

·       Stress reduction and management programs

Having an on-site fitness facility can aid those employees who:

·       Do not have time or access, outside of work, to gym or fitness facility

·       Do not have the personal funds to invest in a gym membership

On-site fitness facilities do require a financial investment by the employer.  But this investment has the potential short-term benefits of increased productivity and decreased absenteeism, as well as improving employee satisfaction and retention in the long-term.  This can provide longer term cost savings for the employer (4).

The “Hit Our Gym, Not Just Our Time-clock!” program recommends the following steps and considerations in establishing your own on-site fitness facility and wellness program:

·       Survey employees to gauge interest in an on-site fitness facility. 

·       Coordinate with your legal department regarding all liability issues.

·       Consider hiring a qualified fitness management vendor to help design, initiate, and potentially manage your on-site fitness facility.  Research and coordinate with vendor on purchasing equipment, such as weight lifting and cardio machines.

·       Coordinate with your finance and facilities department on all cost and space concerns.  Consider developing a formal business plan (recommended).

·       Consider contacting, and possibly hiring, a consultant or specialist to conduct bi-weekly employee sessions on weight, chronic condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), or stress management.  Ensure sessions are available to all employees at accessible times.

To help encourage utilization of your facility and programs, consider the following:

·       Have employees log their activities weekly.

·       Offer incentives to employees that meet certain fitness goals (using above log), such as:

o   Added bonuses to wages

o   Gift cards

o   Additional vacation hours

o   Increased funding to employee health care savings accounts (if offered and coordinated with health care provider)

·       Consider fitness competitions among company departments.  Departments set fitness goals, and those that meet their goals, by a specific time period, are incentivized.

Additional Resources

·       Hoffacker Fitness: A new way to think about corporate health
http://www.hoffackerfitness.com/Corporate%20Fitness.pdf

·       QuintCareers.com: “Workplace Wellness Programs”
http://www.quintcareers.com/workplace_wellness.html

·       AllBusiness: “Workouts at Work”
http://www.allbusiness.com/labor-employment/compensation-benefits-employee/14508772-1.html

·       HealthSource Solutions – consulting service
http://www.healthsource-solutions.com/our-services

References

1.     Obesity Statistics. Fast & Quick Weight Loss.  2009. http://www.fastandquickweightloss.com/obesity/obesity-statistics.htm. Accessed 24 September 2010.

2.     Hertz R, McDonald M. Obesity in the United States Workforce. Pfizer US Pharmaceuticals. 2004 December. http://www.pfizer.com/files/products/Obesity_in_the_United_States_Workforce.pdf. Accessed 24 September 2010.

3.     Tsikoudakis M. Most employers trying reduce workplace stress: Survey. Business Insurance. Crain Communications, Inc. 2010 July. http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20100708/NEWS/100709946. Accessed 24 September 2010.

4.     Employee Health and Fitness: On-site employee fitness centers. BusinessKnowledgeSource.com. 2010. http://www.businessknowledgesource.com/health/onsite_employee_fitness_centers_030256.html. Accessed 24 September 2010.