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As printed in the Los Angeles Business Journal, Dec/06
The Numbers Don't Lie: Corporate Fitness Makes Perfect Sense
By Bryan Green, CEO
We live in a world dominated by numbers and metrics. From the rise and fall of stock values and gas prices, to political approval ratings and prime time television ratings, it's all about the stats. This is never more evident than in the business world, where corporations split one financial hair after another to ensure that monthly reports don't send stockholders running. Still, amidst all the balance sheets and complex algorithms, many corporations are addressing arguably the most profound variable on their bottom line: employees.
With all the numbers, it's easy to forget that at the heart of it all are employees, everyday individuals whose individual performance truly make or break a company. So it's no surprise to see many companies making concerted efforts to boost profitability and performance by boosting endorphins, making corporate fitness a priority within the workplace. To find out why corporate fitness and employee wellness should be a priority for every company, look no further than...you guessed it...the stats!
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At least 100 million workdays are lost each year due to lower back pain at a cost to employers of $20 billion and annual workers compensation claims related to lower back ailments total $8.75 billion.
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American industry loses $32 billion and 132 million workdays due to premature employee deaths related to cardio-vascular disease (high blood pressure, heart stroke, diabetes and obesity). Billions more are lost as a result of absenteeism and lowered productivity related to sickness and disability. The numbers are daunting to say the least.
Some companies align themselves with local health clubs, offering special employee membership rates. Others are bringing corporate wellness closer to the fold and develop state-of-the-art on-site fitness facilities. In any event, the results speak for themselves, and ironically, these corporate fitness efforts are making a profound impact on the company bottom line.
For more than a decade, consistent research has demonstrated the effectiveness of an investment in employee wellness and corporate fitness programs. For every dollar spent on a corporate wellness program, a return in the form of cost savings of between $2.30 and $10.10 stemming from decreased absenteeism, fewer sick days, reduced worker's comp claims, lowered health and insurance costs, and improvements to employee performance and productivity. Once again, the statistics state it best:
Coca Cola reported saving $500 every year per employee after implementing a fitness program, with only 60% of their employees participating. Pacific Bell reported that overall absenteeism decreased after implementing a program. Coors Brewing Co. reported that for each dollar spent on their Corporate Wellness Program they saw a $5.50 return and the employees who participated reduced their absentee rate by 18%. Prudential Insurance Company reported that the benefits costs for employees participating in their program were $312, as opposed to $574 for non-participants.
At Advantage Fitness Products, this trend is evident, as we've seen our corporate fitness clientele increase rapidly over the past 5-10 years. More and more companies are wising up by pumping up their employees. The results are measurable reduced absenteeism and increased productivity and resulting profitability. And in case the sheer logic doesn't make sense to you, look no further than the numbers and it all makes perfect sense.
Bryan Green is President and CEO of Advantage Fitness Products, a company dedicated to the planning, design, supply, and ongoing care of specialized fitness and wellness environments world-wide. For information regarding Advantage Fitness Products visit www.AFProducts.com or call 310-559-9949.
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