CAN HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMS EFFECTIVELY REDUCE HEALTH CARE COSTS, INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND RETAIN QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES?

The changing nature of work organization includes modification in the type of work performed, increasing working hours, as well as increasing competition stemming from globalization. These factors combined with declining quality of life and health habits are among the main reasons that continue imposing a financial burden to many employers in the United States and they are reflected in increasing health care costs, employee absenteeism and costs of employee turnover. Many organizations have attempted to target the issue by providing health promotion programs directed at reducing health care costs to the employer while improving productivity. To what extent can these programs effectively assist the employer in achieving positive results in regards costs, productivity and employee retention? “Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. Which means you’ve met your New Year’s resolution.” (Leno, 2008). There is a shocking reality out of this humor and is that one that quality of healt