Making the most of your employee benefits boosts workplace efficiency. Studies show that poor employee health leads to lower productivity, lower morale, higher absenteeism and higher insurance claims. Many businesses have found encouraging wellness in the workplace not only increases employee productivity and helps reduce sick days, but can also provide a long-term solution to controlling future health care insurance costs.
Incorporating gym memberships and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in employee benefits packages is a way for business owners to make short-term investments in the wellness of their employees and produce long-term results. EAPs provide certified professionals who specialize in mental and emotional health resources for employees. Certified EAPs can help employees with marriage and family problems, stress-related issues, financial and legal difficulties and psychological and workplace conflicts.
Regular physical activity leads to improved overall health and wellness, and when considering an employee wellness program, it’s important to ask the right questions about program details. Consider the needs of your employees to make the best choices about wellness benefits. BBB offers the following tips to consider when choosing the right program:
Research the costs of adding an EAP and/or gym membership and determine what your business can afford. Corporate membership options may include waived initiation fees or monthly membership discounts for your employees. EAP and health club costs per employee are usually less expensive as more employees take advantage of the program.
Check with BBB first.
Visit www.bbb.org to find a list of BBB-accredited health clubs in your area or to view a particular company’s BBB Reliability Report™. For EAPs, check to make sure they are certified with the Employee Assistance Certification Commission before enlisting their services.
Review contract details.
Get written notice of the cost to you as the employer and the cost to each individual employee. Many times there are extra programs employees can sign up for that are not included in the basic services. Find out if there is an upfront fee, such as an administrative or sign-up fee, and what it covers. Verify the length of the membership term and whether the contract will be automatically renewed if you do not cancel.
Don't give in to pressure.
Many health clubs will offer specials that may pressure you to sign a contract on the spot. Always allow yourself time to read over the contract before committing your business and your employees to a program.
About BBB:
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