Wellness Opportunity (Benefit Tips ® - © 2001)

While only 5% of employees have been personally diagnosed with cancer or heart disease, 60% are concerned that they are at risk.

Employees rate exercise (70%) and smoking cessation (77%) initiatives as the best ways that employers can assist staff achieve better health. Other initiatives rated by respondents were cutting-edge drugs (65%), yearly disease screening (63%) and weight-loss (55%). Healthy refreshments (beverages & snacks) were not mentioned, but let’s remember that a pharmaceutical company sponsored the survey.

Employers can use this information to transform employee concern into action that will improve health, increase productivity and reduce future healthcare costs.

Source: 2001 Aventis Pharma Healthcare Survey – Canadians and their Group Healthcare Benefits.