If you are a manager, what is your responsibility for employee health? Do health issues have an economic impact on your organization? The obvious answer is "yes." Health issues must go beyond the notion of "it's the right thing to do." Human resources, training, employee retention, work culture and building and maintaining an empowered, motivated workforce are on everyone's mind. Should an organization have key measurable health objectives and strategies? Ask any athletic coach and the answer is "yes." As a businessperson, why wouldn't your answer also be a BIG "yes?"
The Washington Business Group on Health and numerous other sources report that employee fitness programs achieve long-term savings of $3 to $6 for every dollar spent. Other experts believe the savings are greater (2). William M. Mercher, Inc., a benefit-consulting firm, found that one group saved $5.50 for each dollar invested (3).