How Healthy is Your Office?

Between rising costs and the possibility of health care reform, business owners are being forced to reconsider how to handle employees' benefits. New research shows that 76 percent of adults are trying to eat healthier in restaurants now than they were two years ago, and some employers are starting to offer more incentives – ie. cold hard cash, gift cards, or charging less for a health plan – to motivate workers to live a healthier lifestyle. In light of these trends, Inc. thought we'd provide you with a 'stress test' of our own making. What's your company's wellness score?

1. You run into your employees on the way to work:

In the drive-thru lane at Dunkin Donuts.

Crowding onto the elevator.

At the office bike rack.

2. Most days, your assistant starts the day with:

A "venti-quadruple shot-mocha-madness" coffee.

A protein bar.

A warm cup of oatmeal, sprinkled with fruit or nuts.

3. When an employee calls in sick, you suspect it's because:

His supervisor had the flu last week, but came into work anyway.

A group of them were out late at a concert last night.

He needed to take a day for a "sanity check."

4. You gather all your employees in the conference room:

Because health inspectors have dropped by to investigate the fungus on the ceiling.

To give them a pep talk about pumping up sales this month.

To toast the winner of the informal "clean office award" challenge you started recently.

5. On their lunch break, you notice your employees:

Devouring take-out barbecue.

Heating up a frozen lean-pocket meal in the break room. You laugh and make a Jim Gaffigan reference.

Walking through a nearby park with a bagged lunch.

6. The chairs in your office are:

Impeded by boxes of files and piles of paperwork.

Incredibly stylish, brushed aluminum bar stools.

Ergonomically designed to fit well at employees' work stations.

7. It's mid-week during your busiest deadline. After work, your employees:

Head over to a local happy hour.

Rush home for a few winks of rest before heading back to the office… early.

Calm their nerves at a community yoga class.

8. You've budgeted for an allotment of beverages in the company fridge. You notice:

You run out of Coke and Pepsi all the time.

People still prefer the water cooler.

Employees carry water bottles from home.

9. When your health care provider suggests you host some special programs for your employees, you automatically think:

You plan a one-day health fair.

You put together a smoking cessation program.

You call a local gym owner to negotiate a group membership rate.

10. Your employees who belong to a neighborhood gym:

Often complain that they don't get enough usage from their membership.

Visit the masseuse or spa frequently.

Religiously attend an after-work spin class.