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The Proven Benefits of Workplace Health Promotion

Health Canada reports a return of $3.40 on each corporate dollar invested in wellness initiatives. The return is in the form of reduced turnover, productivity gains and decreased medical claims.

Did You Know?

Return on Investment
Reduced Absenteeism
Improved Retention
Reduced Health and Benefits Costs
Increased Employee Satisfaction

Return on Your Health Promotion Investment
Corporations offering wellness-related programs have seen the following positive financial returns:

  • Savings of between $80-225 per employee annually (The University of Michigan Health Management Research Centre, 2000).
  • A return of $500 - $700 per worker per year (Dr. Roy Shephard, 1990-1999).
  • ROI ranging from $1.49 to $13 in benefits per dollar spent (CCOH, 1999).
  • Annual savings of $154.82 per employee realized through reduced absenteeism and inpatient health care costs (Johnson & Johnson Company).

Reduced Absenteeism

  • 14% drop in absences from non job-related illness over 3 years (DuPont).
  • 42% reduction in absenteeism over 2 years (The Vancouver Airport).
  • 19% less sick leave and 1.2 days few absent days per employee per year (The Traveler's Company).
  • 3.35 fewer sick days per employee within six months (City of Toronto).

Improved Retention

  • Attrition rate reduced to 23% in an industry where turnover commonly exceeds 40% (American Express Call Centre).
  • An average 32.4% lower turnover rate for wellness program participants over 7 years (The Canadian Life Assurance Company).
  • Attrition rate of 1.5% vs 15% for fitness program participants vs non-participants (Toronto Life Assurance).
  • A turnover rate of 3.5% for wellness program participants compared with the company average of 10.3% (BC Hydro).

Reduced Health and Benefits Costs

  • 50% drop in lost time injuries, resulting in $6 million dollars in savings in WSIB claims over a 3-year period (Dofasco).
  • 45% drop in the cost of workplace injuries in less than 2 years (Continental Airlines).
  • A savings of $500 per employee per year in health-care claims (Coca Cola).
  • A savings of $146 million in benefits expense over a 4-year period (Traveler's Company).
  • 35% reduction in health care and worker compensation costs (Florida Power & Light).
  • Medical costs dropped from $574 to $312 per employee (Prudential Insurance).

Employee Satisfaction
"[Our wellness program] works. It affects the bottom line of the business in a positive way, and greatly enhances loyalty among employees" (Vancouver Airport Authority Team Member).

"The company strongly believes having an effective Healthy Workplace Program will positively impact the employee constituent and in essence create a productive environment; thereby creating value for customers and shareholders" (AMEX).


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Improved Retention Increased Employee Satisfaction Reduced Health and Benefits Costs Reduced Absenteeism Improved Organizational Performance

Did You Know?

  • Stress levels have increased more than 200% in the last 5 years.
  • Worker absenteeism has increased 25% since the 1990's.
  • Approximately 95% of health benefit expense is used to treat ill or injured employees.
  • More than half the costs created by unhealthy, unsafe employees can be attributed directly to habits such as smoking, inactivity and obesity.
  • Many employees are at work but not fully engaged. Illness, fatigue, pain, stress and personal issues plague workers and contribute to an overall reduction of productivity and diminished work quality, accuracy and safety.