Workers’ well-being and high healthcare bills are leading more and more employers to offer health and wellness options.

From walking events and wholesome cafeteria choices to onsite gyms and health screenings, the programmes that work tend to take a positive, versus a punitive, approach. They focus on staff welfare while boosting the company’s bottom line.

For every dollar spent on a health promotion programme, employers can expect a $1.50 to $3 return on investment by way of decreased healthcare costs, according to a 2006 American Journal of Health Promotion review of 25 studies.

The most significant savings, perhaps, can be found in attracting and retaining healthy and productive employees.

Did you know that private insurers throughout Bermuda offer wellness programmes? For example, Wellness Matters!, BF&M’s online Wellness programme, features health tips, quizzes, risk assessments, and more. Clients can check out the programme online at www.bfm.bm.