Business Pulse Results: Most cos. don
The majority of those taking part in a Memphis Business Journal online poll said their company offers no wellness-related benefits.
In a recent national analysis of 9,900 employee health screenings, Kronos Optimal Health Co. found that 65 percent of employees are overweight or obese. Various studies, including one by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, found that companies that implement wellness programs save money.
Still, of the 182 readers who took part in the survey, 106 readers, or 58 percent, said their company provides no wellness benefits.
"My company offers me the opportunity to 'run my tail off while accomplishing nothing' . . . my boss gets to 'throw his weight around' . . . and our management team gets to 'walk around and look important,'" one slightly cynical reader wrote.
The next largest percentage was at the opposite end of the spectrum with 40 readers, or 22 percent, saying their company provides an on-site facility fast cash online.
17 readers, or 9 percent, said their company pays for a fitness membership while 12 readers, or 7 percent, said their employer offers stress or other health monitoring programs.
Just 7 readers, or 4 percent, said weight reduction programs were offered.
One employer, which has seen firsthand the benefits of exercise, offered another option.
"I'm a very small company, but I would gladly offer time on the clock to go work out," the company's principal wrote. "I've started back up again, and find the hour I lose in the morning I more than gain in increased productivity, plus, I live long enough to retire and enjoy it all."
Filed under: legal by Finance Boss