Survey: Employees Want Help Getting Healthy
Forty-two percent of employees are highly motivated to eat right but only 23 percent exercised regularly, reported a new study released by ComPsych, a provider of employee assistance programs.
"Employees recognize the need for healthier habits," said Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych. "But we are still seeing a general lack of accountability for achieving personal health. Workers are seeking outside motivation ... for health improvement."
Key Findings:
- Employees said a personal coach was the number one motivator to help them improve their health and lifestyle, more so than days off work (55 percent), reducing health premiums (53 percent), being challenged (51 percent), and receiving gym discounts (49 percent)
- 87 percent were interested in an employer-sponsored wellness program, and 67 percent would be likely to use it
- Appearance, not health, was the most important motivator for eating right and exercising
- More than 74 percent said health and lifestyle had a significant impact upon productivity. Lack of energy was reported as the number one hindrance to productivity
For More Information
Extensis provides access to a variety of programs to assist employees lose weight and maintain healthy lifestyles. These include LifeWorks On-line, a free informational resource, and Simple Steps to a Healthier Life, a personalized on-line health and wellness system from Aetna. For more information, contact Extensis Human Resources at 888.473.6398 or hr@extensisnj.com.