Employee Wellness is Good Business

Employee Wellness is Good Business

Companies that prioritize employee wellness are finding its a tool to recruit and retain employees and a way to reduce healthcare costs.

Research conducted by Workforce Magazine found that 87 percent of employees considered wellness programs when choosing an employer. In addition 67 percent of employees who worked for organizations with wellness programs reported job satisfaction and would recommend their employer to others.

The Harvard Business Review reports that corporate wellness programs help employers reduce healthcare costs. The Harvard Business Journal reported Johnson & Johnson saved $2.71 for every $1.00 spent on corporate wellness. They went on to state that an employer of 185 people experienced a return on investment of $6 for every $1 spent.

In Johnston County employers have access to UNC Health Johnston’s Wellness Works, a comprehensive employee health program. WellnessWorks is tailored to address the evolving needs of employers and their workforce.

Designed as a collaborative effort between UNC Health Johnston and employers, the WellnessWorks program serves as a proactive strategy to manage employee health effectively. One of its primary objectives is to curb the escalating costs associated with workers' compensation and general healthcare expenses, thereby fostering a healthier and more productive workforce.

The WellnessWorks program is structured around four fundamental components, each meticulously crafted to support and enhance the overall health and wellness of employees:

1. Occupational Health Services:
Injury Prevention: This facet of the program entails providing both onsite and virtual safety talks, coupled with onsite loss prevention strategies. Additionally, WellnessWorks facilitates the scheduling of physicals, drug screens, and other pre-hire services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to injury prevention.

2. Workers' Compensation Services:
Injury Intervention: In the event of workplace injuries, WellnessWorks offers cost-effective and efficient providers to ensure prompt treatment. Moreover, providers prioritize timely completion of return-to-work paperwork and maintain ongoing communication with employers regarding appointments and test orders, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the process.

3. Group/Preventative Health & Wellness Services:
Wellness Promotion: This component focuses on promoting preventive health benefits available within insurance plans. Additionally, it provides avenues for onsite and virtual employee health education talks and events, empowering employees to proactively engage with their wellness benefits.

4. Group Health Services:
General Health: WellnessWorks facilitates onsite wellness screenings, encompassing vital parameters such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and biometrics. Furthermore, it delivers monthly health education and safety awareness information to foster a culture of informed health management within the workforce.

To streamline access to these services, WellnessWorks offers the assistance of a Referral Coordinator available by phone. Moreover, a dedicated Corporate Health Consultant serves as a liaison between employers and UNC Health Johnston, along with its affiliated providers, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.

Crucially, enrollment in the WellnessWorks program comes at no cost, underscoring UNC Health Johnston's commitment to fostering healthier workplaces without imposing financial burdens on employers. For those interested in learning more about the program or scheduling appointments, they can reach out by calling 919-938-7303 or contacting Jaime Pearce at jaime.pearce@unchealth.unc.edu.