Worksite Wellness - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why the Worksite Setting?

Worksites are a great place to focus on changing behavior for a variety of reasons.

  • People spend more time in the work setting than any other setting in an average day. 
  • The work setting lends itself to policy and environmental changes that encourage and support healthy habits. 
  • Combined with incentive programs, worksites provide a rich environment to change behavior and increase the number of employees with good health habits and a lower number of health risk factors.

How Will Wellness Affect My Company's Bottom Line?

Here are some key benefits of Wellness Programs:

  • Decreased health care costs
  • Provide a return on investment
  • Increased productivity
  • Reduced absenteeism
  • Improve morale and retain key staff

What are the Chronic Disease Related Healthcare Costs?

The cost to employers of obesity-related health problems in 2003 was $13 billion per year, including $8 billion in medical claims, $2.4 billion in paid sick leave, $1.8 billion in life insurance, and almost $1 billion in disability insurance. In addition, an estimated 39 million workdays are lost to obesity-related illnesses each year (Department of Health and Human Services 2004).

What is the Percent of Adults with Lifestyle Health Risk Factors?


What is the Percent of Adults with Lifestyle Health Risk Factors?
Risk Factor State of Nevada United States
Obese: Body Mass Index (BMI>30) 25% 28%
Overweight (BMI>25<30) 36% 36%
Overweight and obese combined 61% 64%
Diabetes 8% 8%
Current Smoker      23% 21%
High blood pressure      31% 31%
High cholesterol 37% 38%
Lack of physical activity (< recommended level) 47% 48%
Less than 5 servings of fruits or vegetables 76% 77%


Source: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2009

What is the Cost Per Risk Factor Per Year for Chronic Disease?

What is the Cost Per Risk Factor Per Year for Chronic Disease?
Risk Factor Cost
Depression $2,413
High Glucose $1,450
Overweight $1,194
Stress $1,132
Tobacco $713
No Exercise $709
High Blood Pressure $650
High Cholesterol $454