Wellness Program Saves Michigan County a Bundle

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Kalamazoo. And it turns out that an employee wellness program started in 2006 by the county of Kalamazoo is saving taxpayers in Michigan roughly $900,000 annually through reduced health care costs.

After previous efforts only shifted costs to employees, the county realized the need for a comprehensive prevention effort. County workers now "earn prizes and paid personal time in exchange for taking weight-management classes, walking, and participating in health screenings." They also boast a fantastic participation rate: 83 percent.

Other companies in the area have had similar successes with wellness programs. One reports a nine percent drop in the number of employees with three or more high-risk conditions like diabetes, and 70 percent of employees now say that the company "helps them live healthier lives."

Reduced health care costs, improved employee health, and increased morale--sounds to me like everybody wins!