Johnson & Johnson's Health and Wellness Program
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BACKGROUND NOTEThe US industry spent
approximately $200 bn per annum on employee health insurance claims, on-site
accidents, burn-out and absenteeism, lower productivity and decreased
employee morale due to health problems.
Moreover, according to the estimates of Mercer[10] , the
US industry expenditure on the medical and disability bills of employees
was rising significantly. In 1998, companies had paid an estimated $4000
per annum per employee as healthcare costs, and that rose to $5,162 in
2001 and around $5,700 in 2002. Apart from other health related problems
(Refer Table I), stress at workplace was considered to be one of the
main reasons for this high expenditure.
Work stress led to problems like nervousness, tension, anxiety, loss of
patience, inefficiency in work and even chronic diseases like cardiac
arrest and hypertension. As a result of these health problems,
absenteeism increased and productivity of employees declined. |
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TABLE I
ANNUAL AVERAGE COST PER EMPLOYEE DUE TO
VARIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS
Nature of Health Problem |
Annual average cost per employee
|
Heart disease |
$236 |
Mental health problems |
$179 |
High blood pressure |
$160 |
Diabetes |
$104 |
Low back pain |
$90 |
Heart attacks/Acute myocardial blockages
|
$69 |
Bi-polar disorders/Maniac depression
|
$62 |
Depression |
$24 |
Source: www.news.cornell.edu
In 1997, the Whirlpool Foundation[11] , the Working Mother
magazine[12] and the Work and Family Newsbrief[13] carried out a survey in the US,
which involved about 150 executives. The survey discovered a close
connection between employee wellness programs[14] (which included flexi work
options, employee care, employee assistance programs) with 16 key result
areas including enhanced efficiency, low absenteeism, low turnover, high
employee satisfaction, high morale and reduced health-care costs of
employees.
This signified that a company which had a good health and wellness program
had to offer less in terms of monetary assistance to its employees.
Elaborating the benefits of these programs, DW Edington[15], Professor at the
University of Michigan said[16] , “Wellness programs in general, and fitness
programs in particular may be the only employee benefits which pay money
back. When more people come to work, you don't need to pay overtime or
temporary help; when people stay at the job longer, training costs go down;
lower health care claims cost you less if you're self-insured and health
care insurers as well as some companies are already beginning to create
premiums based on fitness levels.”
More >>
THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (EAP)
ERGONOMICS INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM
THE BENEFITS REAPED
TABLE III - J&J HEALTHY PEOPLE 2005 TARGETS
EXHIBIT I - CHAA'S CRITERIA AND POINT WEIGHTING OVERVIEW
EXHIBIT II - BENEFITS OF HWP REAPED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
EXHIBIT V - THE 16-POINT SAFE FLEET PROGRAM
ADDITIONAL READINGS AND REFERENCES
[10]
Mercer is a human resources consulting company that provides consulting
services in areas such as compensation, employee benefits, communication,
HR, human capital strategy, investment and program administration. Its
operations are spread across 40 countries and 140 cities, with over 13,000
employees.
[11]
Whirlpool Foundation (WF) involves itself in charitable activities like
funding research studies and giving away charitable awards through its
‘Direct Philanthropic Operating Program.'
[12]
Working Mother Magazine has a reach of more than 3 million readers every
month. The magazine assists women in integrating their professional and
personal lives. It is a guide for present and next generation working
mothers.
[13]
The Work & Family Newsbrief is an 8-page digest of the most important work
life news, best practices, research, company experiences, legislation and
partnerships in the US. It provides news about the latest workplace polls,
workplace forecasts and academic research of top companies in hiring and
retaining the best talent.
[14]
Employee Wellness Programs include Employee Assistance Programs, workplace
ergonomics, interpersonal skills, workplace safety, prevention of violence,
drugs, HIV/AIDS at workplace and diversity management.
[15]
Dee W. Edington is a professor of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan
and has authored and co-authored several articles and books. His work on
Health Risk Appraisal and Corporate Health Evaluation programs is regarded
as a benchmark for developing business plans in wellness programs.
[16]
In an article titled “Experience of other companies with Wellness Programs,”
posted on www.championhealthandfitness.com.
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