Adherence
A multicomponent workplace wellness program (nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction) significantly increases self-reported healthy behaviors (exercise, weight management) but has no significant effect on clinical health markers, healthcare spending, or employment outcomes after 18 months.
If you are an employer considering a wellness program, expect it to boost employee engagement and self-reported healthy habits (like exercising more), but do not expect it to lower your healthcare bills or improve clinical health metrics (like weight or blood pressure) within 18 months. The program's value lies in behavioral nudges, not immediate clinical or financial ROI.
the program had no significant effects on other prespecified outcomes: 27 self-reported health outcomes and behaviors... 10 clinical markers of health... 38 medical and pharmaceutical spending and utilization measures, and 3 employment outcomes... After 18 months, the rates for 2 self-reported outcomes were higher in the intervention group than in the control group: for engaging in regular exercise... and for actively managing weight
Why this rating
Cluster randomized trial with 32,974 employees, intention-to-treat analysis, and long-term follow-up.
Source
Effect of a Workplace Wellness Program on Employee Health and Economic Outcomes
Zirui Song et al. · JAMA · 2019
DOI 10.1001/jama.2019.3307
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →