I read in the news today that a new study shows that obese workers file twice as many workers comp claims as their skinnier co-workers. The study also said that those workers have higher medical costs (7 times higher) and 13 times more lost work due to injury. If that doesn’t make a good case for a company workout plan, I don’t know what does. I’d hate to think of my employer taking out secured loans to be able to cover the cost of those extra expenses.
How about discounts on Weight Watchers, or a free gym membership? How about a support group to help obese employees if they want to lose the weight? And most importantly, be supportive of ALL employees and understanding - don’t embarrass anyone on the job just because of their weight!
April 30th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
I think that it is a great idea that there should be company plans in place to help with the health of every employee. It will be so much more cost effective down the road as you have proven.
May 2nd, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Where my sister works they have bonuses for being healthy and they provide a gym membership. These are good programs that look like they cost money but over the long run they save the companies a ton and in the process help the life of the employees.
-David