Study: Wellness Programs Catching On

 

Feb. 8, 2007 -- More employees are taking part in workplace health screenings and wellness programs, according to a survey releases this week by the Principal Financial Group.

Out of 1,197 employees polled nationwide, as many as 79 percent said they took part in a workplace health screening last year, compared to just 68 percent in 2005, the survey found.

Another 60 percent said they took advantage of fitness-facility benefits when provided, up from 38 percent in 2005, while more than half said an employer-offered health program helped improve their performance at work, the study found.

"As employers offer more wellness programs at work, employees will use them," Jerry Ripperger, Principal Financial's director of consumer health, said in a statement. "We've already begun to see the financial impact of what's been done to date." he said.

Ripperger added that healthier workers also result in healthier bottom lines for employers.

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