Work site health focus on the prevention and intervention that reduce health risk of the employee. The U.S. Public Health Service recently issued a report titled "Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General" which provides a comprehensive review of the available scientific evidence about the relationship between physical activity and an individual's health status. The report shows that over 60% of Americans are not regularly active and 25% are not active at all. There is very strong evidence linking physical activity to numerous health improvements. Regular physical activity can lead to improved health and a better quality of life by:

·         reducing the risk of dying from coronary heart disease,

·         reducing the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension and colon cancer,

·         helping to control weight, and

·         enhancing mental health by reducing feelings of depression and anxiety.

While unhealthy behavior and lifestyle can greatly affect an individual's health, it can also directly impact the employer's workers' compensation and health care costs. Indirect costs associated with employee's unhealthy lifestyles include:

·         decreased productivity,

·         work related injuries,

·         excessive sick leave usage and

·         Increased absenteeism.

Because of all this cost, today more than 81% of American Business with 50 or more employee have work site program the most popular being exercise, stop-smoking classes, back care programs, and stress management. Most employers offer wellness programs simply because they think the benefit is worth the cost. Yet business leaders continue to ask themselves how to control huge annual increases in health insurance premiums and health care costs.

Therefore worksite health promotion stands out as the long-term answer for keeping employees well in the first place.

Sources:

http://www.welcoa.org/worksite_cost_benefit.html

http://www.dpa.ca.gov/benefits/health/wellness/guide/bckgrnd2.htm