In today’s financial climate, it’s more important than ever to cut costs wherever possible. One way employers can achieve cost savings in today’s tough economy is through workplace wellness programs. Not only do such programs reduce rising health care costs and increase productivity, but they also help employees live healthier lifestyles.

A 2009 study conducted by Buck Consultants found that 77% of responding employers in North America are offering wellness programs, despite the economic downturn. Health concerns cited included stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

Offering employees wellness programs through work is a great idea. But, there’s another component that could be added to maximize the programs’ success: social networking websites. Everyone has heard the idea that we’re more likely to stick to an exercise routine or a weight loss goal if we did it with a work out “buddy.” The same principal can be achieved with social networking.

According to Dr. Nicholas Christakis, author of “Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives,” the people around us have a remarkable impact on our health. This is because the people we interact with on a daily basis influence our perception of social norms. For example, if one employee quits smoking, his or her work-mate is 34% more likely to quit, too.

Some employers and health plans are starting to embrace this idea and are offering social networking as part of their wellness program. Aetna Behavioral Health recently announced partnering up with OneRecovery to help members who are recovering from drug or alcohol use. “We know that social networking has the power to connect people like never before. Offering this medium to help bring about effective behavior change allows us to give members the tools and resources to significantly enhance their lives by helping them remain sober,” said Louise Murphy, head of Aetna Behavioral Health. Another company that partners with employers and health plans is Shape Up the Nation. It uses a social incentives platform as a way to influence, motivate, and change health behavior through teamwork and peer-support.

The only way that we can truly improve health is by connecting people with those who care about them the most—colleagues, friends, family—and empowering them to succeed through motivation, support, and accountability.
– Rajiv Kumar
Founder
Shape Up The Nation

President Obama’s Corporate Wellness Initiative has put employer wellness programs, like the one offered by Professional Health Services (PHS), at the forefront of health care reform. PHS provides mobile health screenings to general industry, government agencies, and municipalities throughout the United States. “It’s not enough to manage chronic disease anymore. The financial and personal costs to individuals and corporations are just too great. Preventative health care must include complete wellness programs that support screenings for early risk detection, healthy diet, exercise and mental health. When people learn how to minimize their high risk categories by taking control of their own behavior, it’s a win-win situation for individuals, employers and the entire community,” says Michael Kleinman, president of PHS.

With employers recognizing the importance of a healthier work force, social networking availability for peer support, and health care reform legislation in favor of wellness and prevention, this could bring about greater awareness and investment in wellness programs – in the U.S. and around the world.

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