Workplace Wellness: One Remedy for the Nation’s Health-Care System
An article by QFS co-founder/president Akil Sherman appears in the
Opinions section of the Sept. 11-17, 2009 issue of The Atlanta Voice newspaper.
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In a matter of weeks, health care as we know it in America may be no more. As most of us are aware, President Barack Obama is pushing lawmakers on Capitol Hill to vote for comprehensive health-care reform as early as August. A major piece of the proposed overhaul involves slashing skyrocketing health-care costs, while another element shines light on prevention and wellness. Supporters of the initiative have said that reform will take action from all of us — businesses, workers, insurance companies and government alike.
As a business owner working to promote healthy lifestyles, I regularly encourage people to adopt healthier practices and think more about prevention. Employers also should play a role by making it easier for their workers to embrace better fitness and nutrition — in order to ultimately help reduce their chances of the onset of various ailments. Considering the costs many companies pay for big-ticket health-care premiums, it makes perfect sense for corporations to implement measures that will help prevent unnecessary expenditures, while making a difference in the lives of their employees.
Workplace wellness programs are an excellent way to reduce health-care costs and promote good health. The key is to make sure that the program is effective by both engaging participants and holding them accountable.
A number of companies place a strong emphasis on screenings and smoking cessation programs at the workplace. Such checks for high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes and more have their place. Early detection is important.But more is needed.
Since many Americans find themselves on the job most hours of the day, work makes for an ideal location for implementing a constructive physical activity program. Companies need to take a serious look at literally getting employees moving at the office. Whether it’s a half-hour or a full hour of activity, as long as it is frequent (biweekly or weekly) and promoted tirelessly, employers and employees undoubtedly will benefit from adopting a worksite wellness program.
The benefits to the company are far-reaching: lower premiums, reduced insurance claims by employees, increased staff productivity, tax benefits to the business, fewe r employee sick days and a boost in the team member’s morale. With employees having the opportunity to take advantage of regular physical activity conveniently at their workplace, they’ll feel better physically — witnessing anything from a drop in stress, illness and/or disease. They’ll also feel better about the place where they spend more time than anywhere else.
Naysayers point to potential liability issues. There are ways to temper this concern. For starters, companies need to make sure they hire reputable companies to run the programs. The wellness company should provide certified professional trainers, who have proper certifications. Not only that, businesses should require participants to obtain clearance from their doctors. In addition, the company can have participants sign waivers that place the responsibility on the individual signing on for worksite wellness, in the instance that something should go awry.
Akil Sherman is president and co-founder of Atlanta-based Quick Fitness Solutions (www.qfsusa.com).
