By Angela Nuñez
Imagine that two equally qualified candidates apply for the same position; the only difference between them is that one is physically fit and leads a healthy lifestyle and the other applicant is lacking in that department. Which candidate would you hire? Today’s typical lifestyle often makes it difficult to consistently fit in a fitness routine and to make healthy choices about food, which is why it is so important for workplaces to implement their own health and wellness programs for their employees. Healthy employees lead to lower costs for their organization. Maintaining one’s fitness and making healthy food choices lead to fewer sick days, lower stress, fewer hospital and doctor visits, and a happier state of mind.

An organization’s human capital ROI greatly increases with the implementation of a health and wellness program. According to an Employee Benefit News article, “Apart from any direct medical benefits, companies reaped rewards for their [wellness] efforts in a variety of ways. For example, with comprehensive engagement and communications that include wellness programs, Principal’s top 10 saw an average voluntary turnover rate of 9.8%, compared to a national average of 24%. And those of sound body also had sound portfolios.” A lower turnover rate means less money spent on recruiting, hiring, and training new employees.

It’s no surprise that investing in human capital leads to better ROI, but it’s important to recognize what an integral part of that investment health and wellness programs are. There are plenty of examples of successful programs out there, and with the benefits healthy employees bring to the table, there’s no excuse not to implement your own program today.