Work-based health plans do not reduce sick days and do not increase productivity

Workplace wellness programs that help employees stay fit, healthy and – most importantly – productive, do not reduce the number of sick days, staff turnover or improvement. performance at work, revealed a major test.

For the first time, researchers led by Harvard Medical School conducted a comprehensive trial to test the effects of diet counseling, fitness coaching and mental health programs offered by many companies.

It was found that employers with a wellness program had more employees taking part in regular exercises and actively managing their weight.

But there was little evidence of benefits in the areas that mattered most to employers and their profit margins.

"Our results show that health-related behaviors can respond to a workplace wellness program, but they also moderate expectations for significant return on investment in the short term," said lead author Dr. Zirui Song. from the study published in the 'Journal of the American Medical Association & # 39 ;.

Wellness programs have exploded in recent years, driven in part by high-tech companies such as Facebook, which consider gym memberships, the benefits of dining and entertainment as a way to retain the best talents.

Increased awareness of long working hours and high-pressure jobs that lead to employee burnout and reduced time spent on recreation, exercise and family life have been seen by other employers. 39; mimic.

In the United States, where 80% of large organizations and almost half of medium-sized employers offer such plans, health initiatives are also seen as a way to reduce the cost of long-term illnesses borne by an organization. health insurance financed by the employer.

To see if they had a positive effect, the Harvard team used data from 160 different employers and about 33,000 employees. She selected 20 random sites with 4,037 employees to form a test group in which wellness programs were in place.

These employees received eight learning modules on eating well, doing physical activity and reducing stress. They have also benefited from the help of dietitians and a wellness service provider for employees for over 18 months.

Aside from the increase in exercise and weight loss, the study did not reveal any significant effects in 80 different areas. (© Independent News Service)

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