The Financial Impact of an Employee Wellness Program Focused on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction

Evidence for the effectiveness and cost-savings of workplace wellness programs (WWPs) is varied, likely due to the variability in program design, as not all WWPs meet the five-point criteria of a "comprehensive WWP" set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A 2019 study of changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for those enrolled in a comprehensive WWP found that nearly half of enrolled employees with moderate to high CVD risk improved their risk compared to the initial predictions. This study extends those findings by evaluating the cost-savings and return on investment (ROI) resulting from participants' CVD risk reduction from the employer's perspective.

Cost-savings related to CVD risk were extrapolated using two studies that provided associated cost-savings for individuals participating in a WWP. Utilizing reference groups used in previous studies, we calculated cost-savings per 1% reduction in CVD risk using our population's specific CVD risk and our program-specific costs. The cost-savings were annualized per person within each risk category.

Across all risk categories, cost-savings were USD 1224 per individual or USD 4.90 ROI for every USD 1 spent. Those at risk had a higher ROI per USD 1.00 spent (USD 35.4 and USD 19.2 for males and females, respectively) than those with minimal risk. However, even those with minimal risk showed a positive ROI (USD 0.3 and USD 5.0 for males and females, respectively).

Investment in WWPs should prioritize programs that include all five elements of the standards established by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Well-designed and comprehensive WWPs can effectively impact employee health and lead to a positive ROI and cost-savings for employers.