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We live in a world dominated by
numbers and metrics. From the rise and fall of stock values and gas prices, to
political approval ratings and prime time television ratings, it's all about the
stats. This is never more evident that in the business world, where corporations
split financial hair after another to ensure that monthly reports don't send
stockholders running. Still, amidst all the balance sheets and complex
algorithms, many corporations are addressing arguably the most profound variable
on their bottom line: employees.
With all the numbers, it's easy
to forget that at the heart of it all are employees, everyday individuals whose
individual performance truly make or break a company. So it's no surprise to see
many companies making concerted efforts to boost profitability and performance
by boosting endorphins, making corporate fitness a priority within the
workplace. To find out why corporate fitness and employee wellness should be a
priority for every company, look no further than...you guessed it...the stats!
At least 100 million workdays
are lost each year due to lower back pain at a cost to employers of $20 billion
and annual workers compensation claims related to lower back ailments total
$8.75 billion.
American industry loses $32
billion and 132 million workdays due to premature employee deaths related to
cardio-vascular disease (high blood pressure, heart stroke, diabetes and
obesity). Billions more are lost as a result of absenteeism and lowed
productivity related to sickness and disability. The numbers are daunting to say
the least.
Some companies align themselves
with local health clubs, offering special employee membership rates. Others are
bringing corporate wellness closer to the fold and develop state-of-the-art on-site
fitness facilities. In any event, the results speak for themselves, and
ironically, these corporate fitness efforts are making a profound impact on the
company bottom line.
For more than a decade,
consistent research has demonstrated the effectiveness of an investment in
employee wellness and corporate fitness programs. For every dollar spent on a
corporate wellness program, a return in the form of cost savings of between
$2.30 and $10.10 stemming from decreased absenteeism, fewer sick days,
reduced worker's comp claims, lowered health and insurance costs, and
improvements to employee performance and productivity. Once again, the
statistics state it best:
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Coca Cola reported saving
$500 every year per employee after implementing a fitness program, with only
60% of their employees participating.
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Pacific Bell reported that
overall absenteeism decreased after implementing a program.
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Coors Brewing Co. reported
that for each dollar spent on their Corporate Wellness Program they saw a
$5.50 return and the employees who participated reduced their absentee rate
by 18%.
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Prudential Insurance Company
reported that the benefits costs for employees participating in their
program were $312, as apposed to $574 for non-participants.
At Advantage Fitness Products,
this trend has been evident as we've seen our corporate fitness clientele
increase rapidly over the past 5-10 years. More and more companies are wising up
by pumping up their employees. The results are measurable reduced absenteeism
and increased productivity and resulting profitability. And in case the sheep
logic doesn't make sense to you, look no further than the numbers and it all
makes perfect sense. | 
