Sustainability: A Gateway to Employee Wellness and Reduced Health Care Costs

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
Apr 1, 2011 10:33 AM ET

Taiga Company blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Compa…

There are many benefits that arise from worksite wellness, from reducing absenteeism, health care and workers’ compensation costs to improving employee recruitment, health, morale and productivity.  A recent post states, "A University of Michigan study revealed health care costs for a high-risk worker are three times that of a low-risk employee. The American Institute of Preventive Medicine reports that 87.5 percent of health claim costs are due to lifestyle. Companies that implement wellness activities can save from $3.48 to $5.42 for every dollar spent and can reduce absences 30 percent." 

Because most adults spend a majority of their waking hours at work, a sustainable working environment is critical.  The work site, organizational culture and working environment are powerful influences on behavior.   Wellness programs have been used as instruments to address weight reduction, reduced stress levels, improved physical fitness, health, and well being.   But did you know they are also linked to business sustainability programs improving the bottom line? Click here to read more about sustainability as an aid to worksite wellness.
 

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".