Employee benefits are no laughing matter. It’s only coincidental that National Employee Benefits Day comes one day after April Fools’ Day.

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans in Brookfield, Wisconsin, chose April 2 to commemorate its founding. The objective each year is to recognize “trustees, administrators, benefits practitioners and professional advisors for their dedication to providing quality benefits and the important role they play in their colleagues’ well-being.”

This year’s theme, Wellness 2.0, encourages the growing trend of taking workplace wellness programs beyond just physical health. Businesses are encouraged to design wellness programs that address five key areas — mind, body, wallet, community and work.

“Positive changes exist with the expansion of workplace wellness initiatives, but what’s even more exciting is the future emphasis of wellness-related offerings,” said Michael Wilson, CEO of the foundation. ‘Many organizations are moving beyond just physical health and are looking at the whole picture of employee well-being.”

A recent study by the foundation found that 59 percent of the businesses currently offering wellness programs do so to promote worker health and engagement, while 41 percent primarily are looking for ways to control health-related expenses. The most popular traditional iniatives are:

Flu shot program (71 percent)
Smoking-cessation program (54 percent)
Health risk assessments (51 percent)
Health screenings (50 percent)
Wellness competitions/fitness challenges (42 percent)

At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on less traditional programs, such as mental health coverage, vacation time and tuition reimbursement. These include:

Vacation time/time off use is encouraged (66 percent)
Mental health coverage (63 percent)
Tuition reimbursement (63 percent)
Community charity drives (57 percent)
On-site events/celebrations (50 percent).

Some of the more unusual offerings emerging are discounted or free wearable tracking devices; themed dress-up days; game leagues; financial education; and workplace-design changes, such as collaborative workspaces, standing/treadmill desks and walking loops.

Research reveals that the investment is paying dividends. Twenty-six percent of responding organizations with wellness initiatives are analyzing their return on investment. Among these, 93 percent are achieving a positive ROI, with an average $3 return for every $1 spent. Other reported benefits include improved employee engagement (54 percent), reduced absenteeism (45 percent) and a better overall bottom line (38 percent).

Instant Insights /

Employee Benefits Day theme is Wellness 2.0

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