THE FIRST QUARTER of the year is gone. And, for far too many folks, so are the New Year's resolutions to improve their overall health. Better health is a goal many employees make each year, and a study from ComPsych shows that employers may be able to help more of those resolution-makers stick to their goals.
Sixty-seven percent of employees said they would likely use an employer-sponsored wellness program, which, if more such programs were implemented, would likely increase the 23 percent that said they were highly motivated to exercise.
"The study gives us valuable insight into what employees need to be successful in reaching their health goals, and what will work in terms of corporate wellness programs," says Dr. Richard Chaifetz, ComPsych's chairman and CEO. "For lasting health improvement, wellness programs must coach and inspire workers totake responsibility for their lifestyle choices and give them the tools to self-manage their health."
Other results from the study, "ComPsych Employee Health Report-Card," include:
- Lack of energy was cited as the top hindrance to productivity, while 74 percent said health and lifestyle had an impact on productivity.
- Appearance was the biggest motivator for eating right and exercising.
- Employees said a personal coach -- even more than days off -- was the No. 1 motivator toward better health.
- Just over 40 percent reported being highly motivated to eat right; only 23 percent were highly motivated to exercise.
For more information, visit www.compsych.com.
