The key to increasing employee engagement, health, happiness and well-being lies in employers who establish a workplace culture of wellness, according to a study released Feb. 17 by Humana and the Economist Intelligence Unit.
The study, called "The Wellness Effect: The Impact of Workplace Programs," explored insight into the scope, reach and impact of workplace wellness programs, as well as the challenges and opportunities that continue to shape their development.
The October 2015 study surveyed 200 U.S.-based human resources executives and managers and 500 full-time employees from organizations with employer-provided wellness programs.
Here are five findings from the study.
1. Some 67 percent of employees said participation in wellness programs increased their engagement in their employer's mission and goals.
2. Ninety-one percent of employees participating in wellness programs have improved their fitness while 89 percent said participation has improved their overall happiness and well-being.
3. Employers and employees agree (46 percent and 51 percent, respectively) the biggest obstacle to increased participation in wellness programs is lack of time.
4. About 44 percent of employer respondents said stress management programs would be the single most effective way of establishing a culture of wellness.
5. While only 14 percent of employees regularly participate in stress management programs, some 71 percent of employees said wellness programs have had at least a moderate impact in lowering stress.
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