Are you aware that one-third of Americans are considered overweight? With the average person spending half their day working, the obesity epidemic is slowly making an impact on the productivity of the modern day working environment.

According to a study done by Northeast Business Group last November, obesity has ascended to the top of health concerns in the workplace. The survey, entitled “Weight Control and the Workplace”, states that employers are estimated to shell out $73 billion a year in higher health care bills due to employee obesity-related issues.

To tackle this growing concern, many companies are offering wellness programs and incentives to encourage their employees to become more physically active and help foster a healthy lifestyle. These programs include free fitness classes, healthier cafeteria meal plans and contests where employees can earn prizes for most pounds shed.

The report highlights crucial factors in helping to curb employee obesity through company programs, featured below:

• Employee Engagement: Involve your employees in the formation of each program. Allow them to have a say in how the program can best impact their individual health needs.

• Leadership Support: Have senior management show support on both a personal and financial level. If workers see that executives are making a conscious effort to care about their employee’s health, they are more likely to actively participate.

•Branding the Program: Make sure the programs are marketed with clear and concise messaging. Employers should promote their programs to build trust and loyalty amongst employees and the community as a whole.

Does your company have health and wellness programs and/or incentives for employees? If so, what factor, listed above, do you find to be most integral to the success of the company program? Please let us know by submitting your comments!

If you’re in healthcare, insurance, technology or other professional services industries, and need help with a PR, marketing or social media campaign, contact Scott Public Relations.

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