Ninety percent of U.S. companies sponsor at least one health promotion activity per year. Yet only half of these organizations regard health as a core business value, essential to business objectives. In today’s competitive business world, health must become a core business value. Health care spending in the United States topped $1 trillion in 1996 and is expected to reach $3.07 trillion by 2010! Employer-sponsored health insurance costs are rising 10-15% or more per year. It has now gotten to the point that medical care costs can consume fifty percent or more of corporate profits.
The continuous increase in health insurance costs is just one reason that the health of an organization needs to be part of the overall business strategy. Healthier employees are more productive which leads to better customer service, better profits, and a better organization. Additionally, worksite health promotion programs continue to gain popularity as an outstanding recruitment and retention tool to attract and maintain high quality employees. Instituting a comprehensive health promotion program is about developing a plan that impacts the entire workforce and measures the outcomes in order to control costs and improve productivity.
Since over fifty percent of all premature deaths in the United States are related to lifestyle, or modifiable risk factors, YMCA believes that activity-based programs that do not drive measurable outcomes at least in some areas are a dying breed. According to the Centers for Disease Control, here is the percentage of employees in the United States today that have the following risk factors:
- 6% are diabetic
- 26% have high blood pressure
- 52% have cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dl
- 24% smoke
- 61% are overweight
- 28% get no physical activity at all
The fact is that employees with multiple risk factors cost employers significantly more, which ultimately impacts the bottom line profits of the organization. Research continues to show a high return on investment to employers when they invest money in the health of their employees through targeted worksite wellness programs. Today there is sufficient evidence to conclude that investment in worksite wellness programs can be associated with cost savings in health care and absenteeism of approximately four to five times more than the total program costs. YMCA’s goal is to provide the programs, products and services necessary to assist our corporate members in achieving these high levels of successes!
Wellness Program Management
Successful worksite health promotion programs include a multifaceted approach of targeted interventions that attract the majority of their employees and show measurable outcomes. YMCA offers worksites the types of programs and services that will meet established goals. Sample areas of program management include, health risk appraisals, health education seminars, behavior change programs, health fairs/screenings, incentive programs, and special events.
Fitness Center Management
When it comes to worksite fitness centers, YMCA believes they should be more than just a place to exercise. They should be a total health promotion facility that provides programs, services, and referrals in all areas of health, fitness and nutrition, in order to help employees improve their health and overall quality of life. YMCA managed facilities provide an upbeat, supportive environment, with strong leadership, education, and creative programming. A wide variety of programs, special events, incentives, recognition, newsletters, fitness testing, health/fitness counseling, record keeping, motivation, and continual follow-up are provided to enhance membership and maintain high participation levels.
YMCA management keeps on top of both government and industry standards to ensure that all programs and services offered meet the current standards and recommendations established by the accredited health and fitness professions. Only degreed and certified fitness professionals are utilized in order to provide efficient and effective management services.