Cost Accounting Implications For Corporate Wellness Programs

Abstract

The health of a company’s employees is a considerable challenge for today’s corporate executives.  The reality of ever increasing healthcare costs has resulted in more companies now recognizing the value of health promotion through employee health and wellness programs.  The potential return on investment is ultimately less turnover, less absenteeism, greater satisfaction in employment, better recruitment, and sustained success of companies. As the workplace is increasingly recognized as a potentially effective site for wellness intervention and employee health promotion, the challenges in offering these types of programs are apparent.  The greatest challenge for employers is to maintain workplaces that provide health-promoting and sustaining policies, programs, and practices.  Employees should have ready access to effective programs and services that protect their health, safety, and well-being.  Wellness programs offered at the work site are one way for corporate America to meet this challenge.