With the ever-rising cost of healthcare, workplace wellness programs may help employers save money in the long-run.
Historically-high health care costs represent an increasingly heavy burden for U.S. employers. For this reason, many businesses have implemented so-called "workplace wellness" programs which provide incentives to employees who agree to practice healthy and health care cost-cutting behaviors like quitting smoking and exercising. According to an August 2008 MetLife study, one-third of employers said they had workplace wellness programs, which is up from just over 25 percent in 2005. However, as economic conditions remained challenging, as of mid-2010, some firms had reduced or eliminated their wellness programs in the interest of cost-cutting. Fortunately, some U.S. businesses and organizations may be eligible to receive grants to fund workplace wellness programs.
Federal Grants
Under the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," the health care reform legislation signed into law by President Obama in March 2010, $200 million was authorized for grants to small employers (defined as those who employ 100 or less individuals who work 25 or more hours per week) with workplace wellness programs in place. These grants will be distributed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services starting in 2011. To be eligible for the grant, an employer could not have a workplace wellness program in place prior to the date of enactment (March 30, 2010), and would have to meet criteria related to health awareness including efforts to maximize employee engagement; provide initiatives to change unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles; and create an overall supportive work environment.
State Grants
Some U.S. state governments also dedicate funding to workplace wellness initiatives including workplace wellness grants for employers or a state-funded workplace wellness program. In January 2009, the state of Massachusetts launched a program called Mass in Motion, which aims to promote wellness and to prevent obesity in the state. In 2009, Massachusetts awarded over $1 million in wellness grants, including expansion of a state-sponsored workplace wellness program. In the state of Maryland, state agencies can receive workplace wellness grants for exercise equipment as well as health and exercise classes.
Foundation Grants
Certain charitable foundations also offer workplace wellness grants to qualifying employers or organizations. The California Wellness Foundation, for example, awards wellness grants, including grants for workplace wellness, to qualifying nonprofit organizations in California. The Maryland-based Horizon Foundation awards workplace wellness grants to local businesses which promote employee health and wellness. Every year, the foundation, together with the Howard County, Maryland Chamber of Commerce, awards select local businesses with a workplace wellness grant in the amount of $2,500. Horizon Foundation President and CEO Richard Krieg stated of the program, "It's not just about the monetary prize, but more about implementing a consciousness of workplace wellness throughout the business community."
Tags: workplace wellness, workplace wellness, wellness programs, workplace wellness programs, workplace wellness grants, health care
