Hit The Road Running - Corporate Wellness

More than just ROI

2009-04-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

With today's economy there are a lot of organizations looking to save money and there are a lot of overstressed workers unsure of their futures.

This article examines real world cases where the ROI on corporate wellness programs gives a solid case for investing in your staff. Here is an excerpt of some of the companies who have had a solid ROI:

• Bank of America (Fries): $5.96/$1
• PacBell: $3.10/$1
• Wisconsin School District Insurance Group: $4.47/$1
• Prudential Insurance: $2.90/$1
• Bank of America (Leigh): $4.73/$1
• General Mills: $3.50/$1

But think about more than just the bottom line. These companies have happier employees who are more productive and have less stress. They will also be perceived as the employers to work for and an overall good corporate citizen.

As the economy has soured we have been run off our feet here at Hit The Road Running. More and more companies are realizing the benefits of engaging a Corporate Wellness expert to set up and run their programs. With ROI like those above, why wouldn't they?

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Corporate Wellness- Just a Buzz Word?

2009-02-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Below is a great article from skyje.com on Corporate Wellness...

Not anymore.With nearly 48% of our waking hours spent at work, coupled with America’s ranking as the world’s fattest nation, corporate wellness is not just a fluffy HR benefit - it’s a business necessity that has far-reaching implications for corporations, their employees and society as a whole. Few will debate the profound effect a wellness program can have on the bottom-line-both literally and figuratively. It’s a no-brainer for most employers: healthy employees add up to a happier, more productive workforce, resulting in lower health claims and decreased costs for employers, and a subsequent ROI on wellness programs. The real challenge is implementation and employee participation.

Adding a wellness component to a corporate benefits plan may sound like a great idea -but it can be administratively complex to implement and manage. Here’s the skinny on what you need to consider if you really want your program to pack a powerful punch:

1. What can your company afford to invest in its wellness program? Okay, deep breath, this may make you break a sweat: The Business Roundtable reports that in 2007 almost 40 percent of large companies in the US spend more than $200,000 annually and 20 percent spend at least $1 million on corporate wellness. Yes, that’s a lot, but consider what it costs in employee productivity and absenteeism if you don’t help employees optimize their health and well-being. In fact, a 2007 study conducted by the Milken Institute found that lowering the obesity rates alone could produce productivity gains of $254 billion and avoid $60 billion in treatment expenditures annually for companies.

2. Do you have the tools and staff to implement a successful program? A benefits management system must be in place to support a corporate wellness program and companies must have the tools and technology to track participation, issue rewards, and adjust health plan premium payments accordingly. You may need to consider investing in additional HR staff or outsourcing the benefits administration to an organization that already has the tools, processes, and procedures in place to integrate a wellness program with your existing benefits program. You want your HR staff to focus on running an effective program instead of worrying about logistics. Learn more about outsourcing your benefits management at www.secova.com.

3. How will you measure program effectiveness and ROI - or will you invest those dollars in making employees healthier? Wellness programs have been shown to produce an overall return on investment of 1.5:1 to 3:1 after three to five years, meaning that for every dollar invested in wellness, employers can expect to save between $1.50 to $3.00 (Human Resource Executive 2007). But you must decide what approach you want to take when it comes to investing money in measuring your program’s ROI. A survey conducted in 2006 by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, shows that 87 percent of 464 benefits professionals and plan sponsors didn’t know the ROI of their programs. On average, 5 to 10 percent of a wellness program’s cost is spent measuring ROI and program effectiveness. Proof is out there that wellness programs have significant ROI for companies; however, companies must determine what approach they want to take regarding investing dollars in the measurability of their programs’ return on investment. This issue of measuring ROI brings up an important question: where do you want to spend your dollars? Calculating ROI or focusing on making employees healthier? A number of companies actively supporting very successful wellness initiatives have opted not to track detailed ROI. But beware: according to most in the “C” suite, if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. Measuring the overall wellness program effectiveness from a dollars perspective may be necessary to ensure that the programs continue to receive buy-in (read: budget) from upper- management.

Four Ways to Boost Employee Participation in Your Corporate Wellness Program

Merely offering corporate wellness programs doesn’t result in the ROI that executives want to see. The challenge is increasing employee participation since higher participation results in greater ROI. Here are four effective strategies to move employees beyond their same old routine:

1. Offer Incentives & Rewards Let’s face it - most people need help getting motivated, which is why Americans are in the physical shape that we’re in today. Companies can drive participation in wellness programs through extrinsic motivation such as incentives (both negative and positive) and rewards. Want to get an employee initially engaged? Negative incentives will do the job (for example, charging employees an additional $25 premium on their monthly benefit contribution if they do not take their Health Risk Assessment). But for ongoing participation, you’ll find positive incentives and rewards to be most beneficial. Then, once employees see results, they develop intrinsic motivation. Some companies are offering rewards such as discounted insurance premiums, expanded benefits, or even cash. The primary goal? Immediate gratification so employees experience instant results for their participation.

2. Engage 1-on-1 Engaging employees on a one-on-one basis is key to further developing intrinsic motivation where they actually want to be healthier. While incentives and rewards are highly effective in engaging employees, real change happens when individuals set personal goals and commit to achieving them. Companies can foster this by offering a more personal approach where employees work to develop personal, measurable goals that can be rewarded. For example, employers can offer consulting sessions with certified health coaches or even personal training sessions targeted at meeting that employee’s goals.

3. Foster a Healthy Environment From providing on-site fitness facilities and nutritional consulting, to offering healthy snack options in vending machines, the corporate environment needs to embrace a healthy approach to living. Media powerhouse Discovery Communications offers an on-site Wellness Center that offers a full range of primary care services from urgent care to preventive care and other wellness services, all offered to employees and their dependents at no charge. Other perks at Discovery: on-site massage therapy, fitness classes, nutritional counseling, life coaching, employee support groups, and company-wide body challenge competitions - to name a few. “Discovery’s philosophy,” says Evelyne Steward, Vice President Global Wellness & Work Life Strategies, “is that we must take responsibility for creating win-win partnerships with our employees in support of their health.” Employees need to see that wellness is not merely an initiative - but a way of life.

4. Provide the Tools Internal corporate wellness campaigns should be implemented to increase participation and provide employees with the information to be successful. Take Chevron Canada, for example. Senior executives launched a 10k-a-Day program to promote employees taking 10,000 steps per day. To promote participation, Chevron provided all employees with a pedometer and will kick off 2009 by providing employees with a fitbook, a fitness and nutrition journal, to track their progress. Employees set personal goals and are rewarded with Chevron Bucks for completing their fitbook and reaching their goals. Education is an option employers should offer. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive- consider on-site health presentations, workshops, or even lunch-time webinars.

The Bottom Line: Beyond ROI

The tangible benefits of corporate wellness initiatives are clear: reduced costs, lower absenteeism, improved productivity, and overall ROI. What cannot be measured is the value that employers can add to their employee’s lives every day by not only giving them a paycheck, but providing them with an opportunity to improve and enhance their own lives. The Dow Chemical Company embraces the idea that improving corporate financial performance is not the key driver behind its corporate wellness initiatives. Gary Billotti, Global Leader of Health & Human Performance at Dow, views corporate wellness as an “investment in our people versus a cost of doing business.” Billotti explains that their primary goal is to support their employees in optimizing their health and performance both at home and at work, knowing that “if we support our people the financial results will come.” So here’s the bottom line - plain and simple: corporate wellness is a must. So consider this a challenge to get out there and make a difference in the lives of your employees -and your own.

Building a Well Workplace

2008-12-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a call to action for employers to take action on workplace wellness from the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). Tonnes of interesting fact and figures.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Employers looking to extend wellness programs

2008-12-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

More and more often our corporate wellness clients are asking us how they can extend the benefits of their employee wellness programs to their employee's dependants.

If you understand the great return on investment employers get from wellness programs, it makes perfect sense to extend these benefits to others who are covered by the companies insurance program and are therefore affecting the cost.

There are some challenges to extending the wellness program beyond the employees. Firstly wellness programs offered at work are often utilized due to their convenience. Family members are typically not physically at the workplace to participate in on-site initiatives. This can be overcome by offering wellness education with take-away items that could be passed on to family members. Also, offer a number of off-site events outside of business hours such as a company sports/games day where employees can bring their families along to participate.

The key thing though is to get the employees engaged in the programs and then lead by example. Inactive parents almost always lead to inactive kids. If your employees are adopting healthy habits, the children often follow.

Incentives almost always work too. Reward the employees and their families for participation and do not focus on results like weight loss. If they participate, they will get healthier. The key is to reward them for activity and healthy habits, not just for signing up.

The single biggest success factor is promotion of the program. If everyone else is doing it, there is a huge incentive for those less likely to take part and these are often the people in the more at-risk group.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Healthy workers are a benefit

2008-10-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the benefits of a healthy workforce.

For more information about how your organization can realize the benefits of a Trail Running program, please contact tony@hittheroadrunning.com or visit corporatewellness.hittheroadrunning.com.

What makes a corporate wellness program successful?

2008-10-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

In the general population you have approximately 20% of people who believe in exercise enough to do it on a regular basis. There are about 20% more who, even though they know the risks, are committed to avoiding exercise and probably never will.

There is a target of opportunity for fitness professionals of the remaining 60% so the question then becomes; what can we do to motivate this 60%?

The reality is that many of them have not yet found a convenient or enjoyable way to get their exercise. This is where employers come in. Employers who have conducted health risk assessments find that 40% of employees are in the medium and high risk groups which directly affects their productivity, creativity and sick time usage. Those in the low risk group, without change, tend to move into the medium and high risk groups over time.

Many wellness professionals want to change the world and move all their employees to the low risk group and are therefore doomed to fail. The rule here is to not let the things you cannot control, control the things you can. Even a small change in employee behaviour can have significant impact to your organizations competitiveness. Multiply the small change by the number of employees and then by time and the impact can be significant. The impact may be to slow the progress of those in the low risk group today from moving into the medium risk group.

Return on investment for corporate wellness initiatives can be staggering. Coors Brewing reported a return of $6.15 for every $1 spent and Citibank reported $4.52. The average of all companies surveyed was $4.30. That's a significant return.

So what kind of wellness initiative brings such large returns. Firstly, you cannot change everyone or everything. Programs should focus on the factors that can be easily affected. Programs should be activity based, simple, fun, private and rewarding. Add community involvement and you add another aspect to your program and your company's image.

In employee surveys 52% said they would participate in a program for a reward worth $150. The participation rate without incentives is 13%.

Often wellness programs try to measure the outcome of a program which is difficult and many employees view it as intrusive. What is more easily measured is adherence and through adherence will come results. We all know that the healthier the habits of a person, the better the results. If people exercise they will get healthier.

If your organization can provide opportunities to it's employees to live healthier and encourage them to grab the opportunities, you will see results like those mentioned above.

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For more information about how your organization can realize the benefits of a Trail Running program, please contact tony@hittheroadrunning.com or visit corporatewellness.hittheroadrunning.com.

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About The Author

Tony Denford is a certified personal trainer and owner or Hit the Road. He has been training primarily runners since 2002 and has worked with beginners all the way to Boston Qualifier Marathon runners.

Tony emphasizes balance and variety in his training methods and always tries to make sure his client’s fitness routines are fun as well as beneficial.

Visit www.hittheroadrunning.com for more details on Hit The Road’s programs and services.

Fit workers shape up company coffers

2008-10-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article from Fort Myers News Press about the success of Corporate Run Wellness Programs.

For more information about how your organization can realize the benefits of a Trail Running program, please contact tony@hittheroadrunning.com or visit corporatewellness.hittheroadrunning.com.

Trail Running Program

2008-10-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hit The Road Running's Trail Running Program is designed for organizations with a core of active runners who want team building opportunities and enhanced stress relief for their employees.

Ongoing trail running classes and one-time trail expeditions can be arranged off-site to encourage your employees to take a break and get back to the great outdoors.

The ongoing classes are offered within, or very close to, the city of Toronto where there is a wide range of off road trails available. Trail expeditions are offered in and out of town and can be used as active retreats for your employees and can also include other services offered by Hit The Road and our partners such as Yoga or Nutritional Counselling.

The Trail Running program is perfect for intermediate to advanced runners who are looking for some variety and covers topics such as;

Trail Running Technique,
Bush safety,
Balance,
Equipment,
Navigation and,
Trail First Aid.

These programs are available to both Corporations and Large Active Lifestyle Clubs or Organizations.

For more information about how your organization can realize the benefits of a Trail Running program, please contact tony@hittheroadrunning.com or visit corporatewellness.hittheroadrunning.com.

Employee Health Promotion More Important Than Ever in Economic Crunch

2008-10-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Oct 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The current economic slowdown reinforces the need for employers to protect their most valuable asset -- employees -- through programs to promote prevention, wellness and chronic disease management, DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance says.

"Tough economic times make it critically important to keep employees healthy, productive and on the job," DMAA President and CEO Tracey Moorhead says. "Wellness and chronic condition management programs contribute to that goal and represent a sound investment for employers -- especially now, when good investments are hard to find."

Citing reports that the economic downturn has forced many Americans to forgo routine health care, such as physician visits and medication refills, Moorhead says health care purchasers and payers must redouble efforts to promote good health and chronic condition management. "Now is when we most need these programs, especially in the workplace," she said.

Recent surveys paint a troubling picture of the response by many Americans to the nation's economic crisis. Separate polls by The National Association of Insurance Commissioners and CIGNA show as many as a quarter to a third of U.S. consumers have avoided physician visits to save money and that 10 percent or more have delayed refilling prescriptions or taken smaller doses than prescribed to make existing prescriptions last longer.

Worse, today's economic situation has created increased levels of stress, a contributing factor to depression, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. The American Psychological Association reports that almost half of Americans say they are increasingly stressed about their ability to provide for their family's basic needs. Eight out of 10 cited the economy as a significant cause of stress, up 66 percent from six months earlier. Similarly, a National Business Group on Health survey found that one out of four workers said they are more stressed today than they were two years ago and cited finances among the top three causes.

"Clearly, our nation's workers are at increased risk of declining health due to the slowing economy," Moorhead says. "Wellness, care management and health promotion programs offer a proven solution. Employers who remain committed to these initiatives, we believe, stand the best chance of riding out the current economic crisis on the back of a healthy, productive workforce."

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Starting a Health and Wellness Committee

2008-10-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Forming a health and wellness committee is one of the best ways of ensuring a good ROI on your wellness program.

Click here for all the details.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Corporate Wellness Program Trends

2008-10-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Interested in the latest trends for Corporate Wellness programs?

Click here for all the details.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Corporate Wellness Programs: Supporting Scientific Research and Wellness Statistics

2008-10-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

A lot of statistical analysis in this article from Corporate Wellness Programs

Click here for all the details.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

The Organizational Benefits of Corporate Wellness Programs

2008-10-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

Another great argument for initiating a Corporate Wellness program in your organization from Corporate Wellness Program Proposal.

Click here to read the article.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Wellness Program Incentives

2008-09-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a great paper from WELCOA about what incentives should be used to encourage participation in Workplace Wellness initiatives.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Corporate wellness programs are all about the bottom line

2008-09-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

An interesting article in the Kansas City Star with examples of ROI and successes from Corporate Wellness programs.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Would You Let Your Company Make You Healthier?

2008-09-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here's an article from the Wall Street Journal focusing on the challenges facing employers setting up workplace wellness programs.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

EVENTS - Healthy Workplace Month

2008-09-08T08:29:00.001-07:00

Hit The Road Running is once again supporting the efforts of Healthy Workplace Month.

This year Healthy Workplace Month runs from September 29th to October 26th. If your organization is looking for health related workshops for your Healthy Workplace Month initiatives please contact us for details of available programs and times. Space during this period is filling up fast so don't delay.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

How to start a wellness program in your workplace

2008-08-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a great article about how to set up a Wellness program at your workplace including some useful tips.

If you have any questions about setting up a wellness program at your site, email them to info@hittheroadrunning.com

Employers get the fitness bug

2008-04-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article from the Globe and Mail about workplace wellness initiatives.

Health Michigan's experience with corporate wellness programs

2008-03-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article about Health Michigan's experience with corporate wellness programs including their ROI numbers.

Click Here for the article.

Advanced Corporate Running Program

2007-12-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hit The Road's Advanced Corporate Running Program is specially designed to help your organization continue to enjoy the benefits of a corporate running team.

The advanced program encourages those who already run and those graduates of the beginner running program to continue their healthy habit while fostering teamwork and communication. It also show your employees that you are investing in their continued health.

This program consists of a structure workout program designed for runners with different aspects covered in each weekly session including technique, injury prevention, speed work, balance and reaction training.

All of Hit The Road's running programs are instructed by insured and certified trainers who focus on improving the fitness of your employees while limiting risks to participants.

Employers have the option of fully subsidizing the cost of the training for employees or to endorse the program to their employees at the their own expense. Both options have high participation rates with a drop out rate of less than 18% over the course of the program.

Hit The Road can also measure the effectiveness of their programs and supply that data to the employers for wellness program planning.

If you'd like more details about Hit The Road's Running programs for corporations please contact info@hittheroadrunning.

For more details on the benefits of corporate running teams, please read the Corporate Run Programs White Paper published by Tony Denford.

Workplace Wellness Survey

2007-11-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

We are interested in hearing your views about workplace wellness programs offered by your employer. Please take a few minutes to complete our workplace wellness survey.

Click Here to take survey

All responses are completely confidential. Thanks in advance for your participation.

Beginners Running Program

2007-11-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

Hit The Road's Corporate Beginners Running Program is an excellent way for your organization to realize the benefits of initiating a corporate run team.

There are benefits for the employees and the employer. Employees will benefit from participating in regular activity and all the health benefits associated with doing so while the employer benefits include lower absentee rates, higher employee retention rates, more productive workforce, improved corporate image and improved communication and teamwork.

All of Hit The Road's running programs are instructed by insured and certified trainers who focus on improving the fitness of your employees while limiting risks to participants.

Our beginners programs can get your workforce up and moving and culminates in a goal run where you can increase your companies profile in the community.

Employers have the option of fully subsidizing the cost of the training for employees or to endorse the program to their employees at the their own expense. Both options have high participation rates with a drop out rate of less than 18% over the course of the program.

Hit The Road can also measure the effectiveness of their programs and supply that data to the employers for wellness program planning.

If you'd like more details about Hit The Road's Beginner Running program for corporations please contact info@hittheroadrunning.

For more details on the benefits of corporate running teams, please read the Corporate Run Programs White Paper published by Tony Denford.

Workplace Wellness Saves

2007-11-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

Here's a report from Ohio.com about the benefits of workplace wellness initiatives.

There's also a growing trend for companies that have wellness initiatives in place to actually pay employees or give other incentives to take part in the programs offered which indicates that these companies are realizing the benefits from their programs.

Companies do not have to invest millions to reap the rewards. Even small initiatives can offer benefits. Not only the bottom line is affected either. Other less tangible benefits are also proving true like a more productive workforce, better customer service, reduced absenteeism and improved company image.

Workplace Active Living - A Needs Assessment

2007-11-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting report from the Alberta Centre for Active Living. It contains many interesting statistics on the benefits of workplace initiatives including stats on corporate image and recruiting, productivity, absenteeism, turnover and medical costs.

Click Here for the full report.

Working towards wellness Report

2007-11-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

PriceWaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute has developed a report on Corporate Wellness initiatives and best practices in developing, launching and maintaining workplace wellness programs.

Click Here to view the report.

Fitness Walking Program

2007-10-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

Help establish a fitness walking group at your workplace.

Walking for Fitness is one of the most popular Corporate Wellness programs due primarily to it's ease of implementation. Walking groups can cater to a large number of employees and has the added benefit of needing little space and having a low overhead over other programs.

Employees enjoy the flexibility of being able to do these programs during their lunch or scheduled breaks without becoming too sweaty to return to work. It takes very little equipment or investment from the employee but still has significant benefits to their health.

Apart from the obvious health benefits there are other benefits to both employer and employee including socialization, improved communication, team building, employee motivation, and employee retention. Employees also have reduced stress levels and more energy.

Hit The Road's Fitness Walking programs are scalable to fit your organizations needs from supporting program set-up, to ongoing fitness education for participants, to fully managed and supervised programs delivered by certified personal trainer specialists.

For more information about how your organization can realize the benefits of a workplace Walking for Fitness program, please contact tony@hittheroadrunning.com or visit corporatewellness.hittheroadrunning.com.

Corporate Wellness Programs growing in popularity

2007-10-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article from the Society of Human Resources Management indicating the growing popularity of Corporate Wellness programs.

Wellness Programs Are Growing Global Phenomenon, Report Finds

It highlights some of the many reasons that these programs are becoming so popular including data on trends around the world.

Corporate Run Programs - White Paper

2007-10-07T11:53:00.001-07:00

For a printable version of this paper, click here.
Introduction

Every corporation today faces a number of challenges related to staffing. Motivation, retention, the rising cost of providing health benefits, communication, the list goes on and on.

Staff also face their own challenges; the increase pressure on their leisure time, their own health, their social life. 63% of Canadians are not active enough to achieve optimal health benefits which leaves them at risk for premature death, chronic disease and disability.

This paper will attempt to address some of those concerns by discussing some of the benefits of starting a corporate running program. The cost to the employer can be surprisingly low considering the number of benefits and the investment is well worth it. Studies in the U.S. have shown that for every dollar spent on employee wellness, up to nine dollars are returned in the form of better productivity, lower insurance premiums, less sick days and other more intangible benefits.

Even when the cost of wellness programs are transferred to the employees and the employers are just facilitating the programs, many of the benefits are still valid.

Corporate Benefits

Employee attraction.
Potential employees are often attracted to employers who offer a variety of good benefits.

Employee retention
Existing employees are often retained as a result of the benefits they receive being competitive within the marketplace. 85% of Canadians value physical activity.

Better Motivation
Studies have shown that people who perform regular physical activity have a better, more positive outlook. They tend to set goals and work towards them.

More productivity
A result of better motivation is better productivity. Also contributing to productivity is the fact that filter employees take less sick days.

Employee socialization
Setting up a corporate wide run team allows employees to interact with others they would not usually do so with. Running can be a great team building exercise and allow your employees to feel part of a bigger community.

Less sick days
Physically active employees take less sick days than their sedentary counterparts. The length of time they are sick is also reduced. They have less illness such as heart disease, diabetes, less back pain and less obesity.

Better communication and teamwork
Members of the run team will get to know each other leading to better on-the-Job communication and teamwork. Run teams help to break down corporate silos.

Corporate identity and promotion
Local running events can be a great way to promote your business especially if your run team is large. Your company could be promoted even more if you supply the team with company team T-shirts.

Cost saving on health insurance
With the rising costs of insurance benefits, many insurance carriers now offer discounts to corporations that provide wellness programs to their employees. Your company could benefit from lower employer-paid premiums simply by allowing your employees to participate.

Employee benefits

Reduces stress
People who exercise regularly report lower stress levels than those who don't. Taking time for yourself provides great stress relief and greater self worth.

More energy
Regular exercise is a great energy booster. Exercise also gets you ready for the days challenges. Studies have also shown that regular exercise can increase IQ.

Better socialization
Training with a group gives your employees a chance to meet new people. Having fun together is a great way to build new friendships.

Health benefits
Obviously there are many health benefits related to regular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise can lower the risk or heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. It can also delay the onset of osteoporosis and lessen the effects of Asthma and high blood pressure. The list goes on and on.

Lifestyle benefits
As well as the health benefits there are lifestyle benefits related to regular exercise such as looking healthier, feeling more energized and being better prepared for what life throws your way. A well-managed exercise program can improve your mind, body and spirit: the three components of total wellness.

Convenience
By facilitating fitness programs for your employees at a time and place that is convenient to them you will remove the number one reason people use to not exercise. Our programs are run at, or close to, your work facilities around the time people usually finish work. This way they can exercise right before they go home and before other commitments distract them.

Social Benefits

Corporate identity in community
By having a large run team training together you will be demonstrating to the surrounding community that the welfare of your employees is important. This will show that your company is socially responsible especially if they are training to raise funds for a charity. It creates awareness and the team can become your company’s ambassadors.

Fundraising opportunities
Having a run team at a local event is a great way to raise funds for worthwhile causes or your Corporation's charity partners. Many races have corporate challenges based on performance as well as funds raised.

Concerns

Safety
Our programs are designed with safety as the highest priority. All participants are required to abide by our safety rules at all times. Every route we run is pre-screened to ensure the safety of all participants and they are reminded of the risks and how to minimize them throughout the training.

Liability
Every participant is required to sign an industry standard par-Q form developed by Health Canada and if necessary obtain additional sign off from their doctor before starting the training program. They must also sign a significant release and waiver that notifies them of the risks associated with running and indemnifies their employer as well as any program sponsors or associates.

Appendix A – Return on Investment

Sourced from the Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

COST/BENEFIT
1. The Coors Brewing Company found that, in 1990, it returned $6.15 for every dollar spent on its corporate fitness program. This was the sixth year of its fitness program with annual returns ranging from $1.24 to $8.33. (Wellness Councils of America 1991)
Kennecott Copper Company showed that, over four years, for every dollar invested in its corporate fitness program the company returned $5.78. (American Institute of Preventative Medicine 1991)
Equitable Life Assurance realized a return on investment of $5.52 : $1 in the first year of its corporate fitness program. (Fitness in Business 1987)
In the first year of its TriHealthalon employee fitness program, General Mills, received a payback of $3.10 per dollar invested. In its second year, the payback increased to $3.90 : $1. (American Journal of Health Promotion 1989)
Motorola returned $3.15 per dollar from its employee fitness program. (Fitness Systems 1990)
PepsiCo found its corporate fitness program had a 300% return on investment: $3 for every $1 invested. (Fitness Systems 1990)
Over a six-year period, DuPont had a return of $2.05 for every $1 invested in its employee fitness program. (Health Behaviors 1992) Prudental Life Insurance found, in a five year study, it returned $1.91 per dollar invested in its employee fitness program. (American Institute of Preventative Medicine 1991)
Johnson and Johnson averaged a 30% return on investment from its Live For Life employee fitness program over a 12 year period, 1978-1990. (Preventative Medicine 1990)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Indiana found that its corporate fitness program had a 250% return on investment; $2.51 for every $1 invested over a five-year period. (American Journal of Health Promotion 1991)
The Economic Benefits of Regular Exercise, IRSA, 1992
2. A two year study conducted by Mesa Petroleum revealed that its corporate fitness program had a benefit-to-cost ratio of $1.07. (Compensation and Benefits Management, Spring 1993)
New York Telephone saw a return of $1.95 for every $1 spent on its corporate fitness program. (Compensation and Benefits Management, Spring, 1993)
The Economic Benefits of Regular Exercise, IHRSA, 1996
3. From 1980 to 1991 there were 24 published studies evaluating the health benefits and, in some cases, the cost benefits of comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention programs in the worksite. In those previous studies, all 24 indicated positive health benefits and every study that analyzed for cost effects and / or cost benefit demonstrated a positive effect.
There were 24 new studies conducted between 1991 and the early part of 1993. Of the studies that analyzed cost- effectiveness or cost benefits, every one indicated a positive return.
§ City of Mesa B/C of 3.6
§ Travelers Insurance Company B/C ratios ranging from 1.4 to 14
§ Reynolds Elec. & Engineering Co. B/C ratio of 1.68 for evaluation period
§ DuPont Health Promotion Program B/C ratios of 1.11 (1985) and 2.05 (1986)
§ Johnson & Johnson "Live for Life" Program B/C ratio of 1.30 for evaluation period
§ General Mills Health Promotion Program B/C ratios of 3.10 (1985) and 3.90 (1986)
§ Adolph Coors Wellness Program B/C of 1.24, 3.75 and 8.33
§ Heart at Work Program B/C 1.15 and 1.28 for interventions groups
§ Northern Telecom B/C ratio of 1.54 for evaluation period
§ Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Indiana B/C ratio of 1.45 for evaluation period
§ Prudential Fitness Program B/C ratio of 1.93 for evaluation period
§ Mesa Petroleum B/C ratios of .76 and 1.07
§ Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto B/C of ratio of 1.41 for evaluation period
§ Equitable Life Assurance Program B/C ratio of 5.52 for evaluation period
Messer, Jeffrey, Worksite Fitness and Health Promotion Benefit-Cost Analysis: A Tutorial, Review of Literature, and Assessment of the State of the Art, AWHP's Worksite Health, 34-43, Summer 1995
4. 10-year, independent follow up study of the Canada Life program showed a return of $6.85 on each corporate dollar.
Kisby, Russ, The ROI of Healthy Workplaces, Canadian HR Reporter, 31
5. In reviewing the most recent 24 studies, all but one evidenced positive health outcomes. Again, of the studies which analyzed cost-effectiveness or cost benefits, every one indicated a positive return. (studies published between 1991-1993)
Pelletier, Kenneth, A Review and Analysis of the Health and Cost-Effective Outcome Studies of Comprehensive Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs at the Worksite: 1991-1993 Update, American Journal of Health Promotion, 8(1), 50-62, September/October
6. Reports of ROI include:
§ Travelers Insurance Co. =$3.40
§ Kennecott Copper =$5.78
§ Metropolitan Life =$3.15
§ Equitable Life = $5.52
§ Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Indiana =$2.51
§ Mesa Petroleum = $2.16
§ Prudential =$1.91
§ Motorola =$3.00
§ New York Telephone = $1.90
Stead, Bette A., Worksite Health Programs: A Significant Cost-Cutting Approach, 37(6), 73, November 1994

References
"Economic Impact of Sport", a study carried out for HKSDB in 2001 by an independent economic consulting firm, Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL).

Stead, Bette A., Worksite Health Programs: A Significant Cost-Cutting Approach, 37(6), 73, November 1994

The Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

About The Author
Tony Denford is a personal trainer and owner or Hit the Road. He has been training primarily runners since 2002 and has worked with beginners all the way to Boston Qualifier Marathon runners.

Tony emphasizes balance and variety in his training methods and always tries to make sure his client’s fitness routines are fun as well as beneficial.

Visit www.hittheroadrunning.com for more details on Hit The Road’s programs and services.

Corporate Wellness Programs in the news

2007-10-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here's in interesting article on corporate wellness programs from NCTimes.com.

Want to know more about Hit The Road Running's corporate wellness programs? Contact Us with your questions.

NEWS - Hit The Road helps SickKids reach NQI level 1

2007-10-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE - Toronto, On. - Oct. 2, 2007.

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto was awarded the National Quality Institute's NQI level 1 in recognition for their comitment to fostering a healthy workplace for their employees.

Hit The Road Running is proud to be a part of this success by offering it's services to SickKids staff through the wellness program. Hit The Road currently trains the SickKids Staff Running team and has provided several fitness related seminars.

The SickKids Staff Running team has been a huge success for the Wellness program with most classes being oversubscribed by employees and the program being recently expanded to accomodate more employees.

ABOUT HIT THE ROAD...RUNNING
Hit The Road...Running provides training services for runners and corporate running teams. Founded in 2002 by Tony Denford, Hit The Road has expanded to provide fitness education, personal training, corporate wellness and fitness promotion services. For more details on Hit The Road please visit HitTheRoadRunning.com.

Canada's Healthy Workplace Week

2007-10-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Hit The Road Running is pleased to be supporting Canada's Healthy Workplace Week from October 22nd to 28th, 2007.

Our Lectures, Seminars and Workshops are a great way for your organization to encourage it's employees to get out and be healthy. Contact us to book your session for this years Healthy Workplace Week.