The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga can be a powerful ally in your company's battle to hold down expenses and increase productivity.

Benefit #1: Reduced Health Care costs

The majority of US health care expenses can be attributed to diseases that are related to lifestyle. The good news is that with just moderate exercise, many of the risk factors for disease can be reduced. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), regular physical activity can:

• reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease
• reduce the risk of stroke
• lower the risk of developing Type II diabetes
• reduce the risk of developing colon cancer
• reduce feelings of depression and anxiety
• lower stress and help build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints

The evidence is in: Employee wellness programs make fiscal sense

Companies with health promotion programs can see a return of $3-$6 for every $1 invested over a 2-5 year period. Documented savings are observed in medical costs, absenteeism, worker's comp claims, short-term disability and presenteeism (lower on-the-job efficiency due to employee health problems).                                                             Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, December 2005

"Within 3 to 6 years [of instituting an employee wellness program], the prediction is an average 348% return on investment."                                                                                 Source: American Journal of Health Promotion, 2008

Larry Chapman in "Meta-evaluation of Worksite Health Promotion Economic Return Studies" cites over 600 articles that analyze the research and anecdotal evidence of the cost-effectiveness of worksite wellness programs. In a review of 42 of these articles, he notes an average:

• 28% reduction in sick leave absenteeism
• 26% reduction in use of the health care benefit
• 30% reduced worker's comp claims and disability management

Source: The American Journal of Health Promotion, 2003

A recent study showed that corporate fitness center participants had 1.3 days fewer short-term disability claims per year per employee than non-participants and had fewer health risks.
Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, April 2006

Regular exercise eight times or more per month reduces healthcare costs by 33% by the second year.
Source: Medica Insurance Study, 2007

Dependents account for 70% of overall health care costs making it critical to involve the entire family.
Source: Employee Benefit Journal, 2006

More reasons to have an Employee Wellness Program:

Benefit #2: Increased workplace productivity
Benefit #3: Increased workplace morale
Benefit #4: Decreased employee turnover
Benefit #5: Decreased absenteeism
Benefit #6: Increased recruitment potential

Did you know?

• From executives to the lowest wage earners, all your employees have equal access to YMCA programs and services through the YMCA scholarship program
• You can choose how much you want to invest
• We offer special programs to help people new to exercise become comfortable, knowledgeable and motivated
• Your off-site employees will benefit from access to YMCAs across the country with the YMCA AWAY program