Employee Wellness Statistics: Latest Data & Summary

Last Edited: April 23, 2024

Highlights: The Most Important Statistics

  • Companies that build formal wellness programs have, on average, 28% reduced sick leave.
  • The average ROI of workplace wellness programs can be up to 3:1.
  • Just under 50% of employers offer a wellness program.
  • For every dollar spent on wellness programs, companies could save $5.81 due to reduced absenteeism.
  • Workplace stress is responsible for up to $190 billion in annual U.S. healthcare costs.
  • 80% of employees at companies with robust health and wellness programs feel engaged and cared for.
  • 73% of employees in wellness programs felt a positive impact on their health.
  • Only 11% of employees participate regularly in wellness programs.
  • Employees with high engagement and high well-being are 45% less likely to report health issues.
  • 64% of employees do not use the wellness programs offered by their companies.
  • Employees in wellness programs can save up to $353 in healthcare costs annually.
  • Exercise programs can reduce company healthcare costs by 29%.
  • 85% of large employers indicated that wellness programs led to moderate or significant improvements in employees' health.
  • Businesses that participated in comprehensive health promotion saw a 24% decrease in disability days.
  • Almost 200 million workdays are lost each year because of depression, costing employers $17 to $44 billion.
  • Employees who participate in wellness programs are 2.5 times more likely to function better at work.
  • Poor mental health costs U.S. employers up to $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year.

The Latest Employee Wellness Statistics Explained

Companies that build formal wellness programs have, on average, 28% reduced sick leave.

The statistic indicates that companies that implement formal wellness programs experience a significant reduction in sick leave taken by their employees, with an average decrease of 28%. This suggests that such wellness programs are effective in promoting employee health and well-being, thereby potentially leading to decreased instances of illness and absenteeism. By investing in formal wellness programs, companies may not only improve the overall health of their workforce but also potentially benefit from cost savings associated with reduced sick leave and increased productivity.

The average ROI of workplace wellness programs can be up to 3:1.

This statistic indicates that for every dollar invested in workplace wellness programs, the return on investment (ROI) can be up to three dollars. In other words, organizations that implement these programs may see significant financial benefits, such as reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and lower absenteeism. This statistic highlights the potential value of investing in employee health and well-being initiatives, as it suggests that these programs can yield a positive impact not only on employee health outcomes but also on the bottom line of the organization.

Just under 50% of employers offer a wellness program.

The statistic “just under 50% of employers offer a wellness program” indicates that approximately half of all employers provide some form of wellness program for their employees. Wellness programs can include initiatives aimed at promoting physical health, mental well-being, and overall employee wellness. This statistic suggests that such programs are relatively common in the workplace but are not universally adopted by all employers. Employers who offer wellness programs may do so to improve employee health and productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and create a positive work environment. The fact that just under half of employers offer such programs highlights the varying approaches and priorities among businesses when it comes to employee well-being.

For every dollar spent on wellness programs, companies could save $5.81 due to reduced absenteeism.

This statistic suggests that investing in wellness programs within companies can lead to significant cost savings due to reduced absenteeism. For every dollar that is spent on implementing and maintaining these programs, companies can expect to save approximately $5.81 in the long run. This indicates that promoting employee health and well-being through wellness initiatives can have a positive impact on productivity and employee attendance, ultimately lowering the financial burden associated with absenteeism. By taking proactive measures to improve employee health and wellness, companies may benefit from a healthier and more engaged workforce while simultaneously reducing costs related to absenteeism.

Workplace stress is responsible for up to $190 billion in annual U.S. healthcare costs.

The statistic indicates that workplace stress is a significant factor contributing to the annual U.S. healthcare costs, amounting to as much as $190 billion. This implies that the physical and mental health implications of stress in the workplace are substantial, leading to increased healthcare expenses for individuals and organizations. Factors such as burnout, long working hours, poor work-life balance, and job insecurity can contribute to stress in the workplace, resulting in a range of health issues that require medical attention. Addressing and mitigating workplace stress through interventions such as mental health programs, stress management techniques, and supportive organizational practices can not only improve the well-being of employees but also potentially reduce healthcare costs associated with stress-related illnesses.

80% of employees at companies with robust health and wellness programs feel engaged and cared for.

The statistic suggests that there is a strong positive correlation between the presence of robust health and wellness programs in companies and the level of engagement and perceived care experienced by employees. Specifically, 80% of employees at companies with such programs report feeling engaged and cared for. This implies that investing resources in health and wellness initiatives can potentially lead to higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction within an organization. The statistic highlights the importance of prioritizing employee well-being and suggests that companies with comprehensive health and wellness programs may create a more positive work environment that fosters employee well-being and engagement.

73% of employees in wellness programs felt a positive impact on their health.

The statistic “73% of employees in wellness programs felt a positive impact on their health” indicates that a significant majority of employees who participated in wellness programs reported experiencing beneficial effects on their health. This implies that these programs have been effective in improving the well-being of participants, likely through promoting healthier habits and behaviors. The high percentage suggests a strong level of satisfaction and perceived success among employees who engaged in such programs, highlighting the potential of wellness initiatives in contributing to the overall health and wellness of individuals within the workforce.

Only 11% of employees participate regularly in wellness programs.

The statistic ‘Only 11% of employees participate regularly in wellness programs’ indicates that a small portion of the employee population regularly engages in workplace wellness initiatives. This low participation rate may suggest possible barriers or challenges to employee engagement, such as lack of awareness, limited interest, competing priorities, or inadequate program offerings. Employers may need to explore ways to increase awareness and incentivize participation in wellness programs to promote a healthier workforce and potentially improve employee well-being, morale, and productivity. Monitoring participation rates and identifying factors that influence engagement can help organizations tailor their wellness initiatives to better meet employees’ needs and preferences.

Employees with high engagement and high well-being are 45% less likely to report health issues.

This statistic suggests that employees who have high levels of engagement and well-being at work are significantly less likely, by 45%, to report health issues. This indicates a strong connection between an individual’s emotional investment in their job and their overall sense of fulfillment and happiness, with their physical health. It implies that when employees feel positive and connected to their work and workplace, they may experience better health outcomes, potentially due to reduced stress levels and improved mental resilience. This highlights the importance of promoting employee engagement and well-being in the workplace as a potential strategy to enhance overall employee health and well-being.

64% of employees do not use the wellness programs offered by their companies.

This statistic reveals that a majority, 64%, of employees are not utilizing the wellness programs provided by their employers. This suggests a potential disconnect between the availability of these programs and employees’ engagement with them. Understanding why employees are not participating in these wellness initiatives could provide valuable insights for employers looking to improve their offerings or communication strategies. Employee wellness programs are designed to promote health, productivity, and overall well-being in the workplace, so addressing the reasons behind the lack of participation could lead to a more effective implementation and potentially better outcomes for both employees and employers.

Employees in wellness programs can save up to $353 in healthcare costs annually.

The statistic implies that employees who are actively engaged in wellness programs can potentially save an average of $353 per year on healthcare expenses compared to those who are not participating in such programs. This suggests that wellness programs have a significant impact on reducing healthcare costs for individuals by promoting healthier behaviors, preventing illnesses, and managing chronic conditions more effectively. By investing time and effort in wellness initiatives, such as exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and preventive care, employees may experience both financial savings and improved overall well-being, making wellness programs a beneficial and cost-effective strategy for both individuals and organizations.

Exercise programs can reduce company healthcare costs by 29%.

The statistic suggests that implementing exercise programs within a company has the potential to lower its healthcare costs by 29%. This means that employees who engage in regular exercise may experience improved health outcomes, leading to a reduction in medical expenses such as doctor visits, medications, and treatments. By promoting physical activity and overall wellness among its workforce, the company can potentially benefit from lower healthcare utilization and costs, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more productive work environment.

85% of large employers indicated that wellness programs led to moderate or significant improvements in employees’ health.

The statistic indicates that according to a survey of large employers, 85% of them believe that wellness programs have resulted in either moderate or significant improvements in their employees’ health. This suggests that the majority of these employers have witnessed positive changes in the well-being of their workforce as a direct result of implementing wellness initiatives. This statistic underscores the potential benefits of workplace wellness programs in promoting healthier lifestyles among employees, potentially leading to reduced healthcare costs, improved productivity, and overall better employee morale. However, it is important to note that this statistic reflects self-reported perceptions of employers and may not necessarily represent objective measures of employees’ health outcomes.

Businesses that participated in comprehensive health promotion saw a 24% decrease in disability days.

The statistic suggests that businesses who engaged in comprehensive health promotion programs experienced a significant reduction in disability days among their employees, with a reported decrease of 24%. This implies that the implementation of such health promotion initiatives, which may include wellness programs, fitness activities, and health education, potentially resulted in improved overall employee health and well-being. The decrease in disability days could indicate a lower frequency of illnesses, injuries, or conditions that required employees to be absent from work due to health-related reasons. Ultimately, this statistic underscores the potential effectiveness of investing in employee health and wellness initiatives within businesses to not only benefit individual employees but also potentially improve productivity and reduce costs associated with absenteeism.

Almost 200 million workdays are lost each year because of depression, costing employers $17 to $44 billion.

The statistic stating that almost 200 million workdays are lost each year due to depression, costing employers $17 to $44 billion reflects the significant impact of depression on the workforce and the economy. Depression is a common mental health condition that can lead to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs for both employees and employers. The loss of workdays due to depression can result in substantial financial burdens for companies, as they may need to cover the costs of sick leave, temporary staffing, and decreased performance. Recognizing and addressing mental health issues such as depression in the workplace is essential not only for the well-being of employees but also for the overall productivity and financial stability of businesses.

Employees who participate in wellness programs are 2.5 times more likely to function better at work.

The statistic that employees who participate in wellness programs are 2.5 times more likely to function better at work suggests that there is a significant relationship between engagement in wellness initiatives and workplace performance. This means that individuals who take part in wellness programs are more likely to exhibit enhanced cognitive functioning, productivity, and overall job effectiveness compared to those who do not participate in such programs. The 2.5 times higher likelihood implies a strong association between wellness activities and improved work performance, highlighting the potential benefits of promoting employee well-being through structured health and wellness initiatives in the workplace.

Poor mental health costs U.S. employers up to $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year.

This statistic indicates the significant economic impact of poor mental health on U.S. employers, calculated as high as $193.2 billion in lost earnings annually. Poor mental health in the workplace can contribute to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. Employees experiencing mental health issues may struggle to focus, make decisions, and perform effectively, ultimately leading to financial losses for their employers. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace through supportive policies, resources, and initiatives to promote employee well-being and maximize organizational performance.

Conclusion

It is evident from the employee wellness statistics that investing in health and well-being programs can lead to improved productivity, decreased absenteeism, and higher employee satisfaction. Organizations that prioritize the wellness of their employees not only create a positive work environment but also contribute to overall business success. Keeping these statistics in mind, it is clear that promoting employee wellness should be a key focus for companies looking to enhance both the health and productivity of their workforce.

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About The Author

Jannik is the Co-Founder of WifiTalents and has been working in the digital space since 2016.

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