Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
04:24
A Novel Digital Platform for a Monitored Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Published on: April 19, 2019
11.5K
The Financial Impact of an Employee Wellness Program Focused on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction.
Irena Boyce1, Jason DeVoe2, Lisa Norsen2
1UR Medicine Quality Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Comprehensive workplace wellness programs (WWPs) demonstrate significant return on investment (ROI) and cost-savings for employers by reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Investing in well-designed WWPs benefits employee health and employer finances.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Health Economics
- Preventive Cardiology
Background:
- Workplace wellness programs (WWPs) show varied effectiveness, often due to non-standardized program designs.
- Comprehensive WWPs, meeting CDC criteria, have shown potential in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- This study assesses the cost-savings and ROI of WWPs based on CVD risk reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the financial return on investment (ROI) and cost-savings for employers from comprehensive workplace wellness programs.
- To quantify the economic benefits derived from reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among employees participating in WWPs.
Main Methods:
- Extrapolated cost-savings using existing studies on WWP participants and associated CVD risk reduction costs.
- Calculated annualized cost-savings per participant based on 1% CVD risk reduction, tailored to the study population and program costs.
- Utilized reference groups from prior research to establish cost-effectiveness benchmarks.
Main Results:
- Overall cost-savings of USD 1224 per individual, with a return on investment (ROI) of USD 4.90 for every USD 1 spent.
- Higher ROI observed for at-risk individuals (USD 35.4 for males, USD 19.2 for females) compared to minimal-risk individuals.
- Even minimal-risk employees demonstrated a positive ROI (USD 0.3 for males, USD 5.0 for females).
Conclusions:
- Prioritizing comprehensive WWPs aligned with CDC standards is crucial for maximizing health and financial benefits.
- Well-designed WWPs effectively improve employee health outcomes and deliver a positive ROI and cost-savings for employers.
- Investing in evidence-based, comprehensive WWPs is a sound financial strategy for businesses.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
25
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
25
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
730
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
730
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
36
Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
36
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
26
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
26
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
915
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
915
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
34
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Key elements, such as regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and abstinence from smoking, can significantly enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being while reducing the risk of several life-threatening conditions.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
34