Worksite Wellness and Sustainability: Bringing Fitness to the Bottom Line

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
Sep 20, 2010 3:58 PM ET

Taiga Company Blog

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?  

Elaine Cohen, author of the CSR for HR  notes in a post, “It is estimated that employers spend $13 billion annually on the total cost of obesity. Approximately 9.1% of all health care costs in the United States are related to obesity and overweight. Workplace obesity prevention and control programs can be an effective way for employers to reduce obesity. They can produce a direct financial return on investment (ROI) by lowering health care costs, lowering absenteeism, and increasing employee productivity.”   Additionally, “Return on investment – Canada Life in Toronto showed a return of $6.85 for every $1 invested in its Workplace Wellness program; while the Canadian government realized $1.95-$3.75 per employee per $1 spent.” Click here to continue reading.  

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".

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