Workers’ compensation insurance is not only legally required for most employers throughout the United States, but it’s also an important tool to help build morale in the workplace and insulate employers from many lawsuits they would otherwise face when injuries and accidents on the job occur.
It is possible to minimize overall workers’ compensation costs. In fact, businesses can adopt employee wellness and fitness programs as a method of helping to reduce workers’ compensation claims, which further reduces the costs of WC insurance coverage. Everyone wins.
- Employers cut workers’ compensation insurance costs and enjoy the benefit of a healthier, more energized workforce.
- Employees become healthier, and happier, as a result. They feel better and more productive, which increases engagement at work and at home.
What Do Wellness and Fitness Program have to do with Workers’ Compensation?
It’s a fair question to ask and one that actually has many answers. These are a few important ways fitness and wellness programs work together to help businesses save big on worker’s compensation coverage.
Reduces Fraud
From the start, people feel better, physically and mentally, when they are healthy and fit. People who feel good about their jobs and their lives are less likely to file fraudulent workers’ compensation claims or fake injuries. While no one likes to think that fraud exists in large volumes, it accounts for a sizeable portion worker compensation claims. Cutting it out or reducing it will reduce those instances.
Prevents Injuries
Injury prevention may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to fitness and wellness, but knowing your body and practicing good body mechanics work together to help employees avoid repetitive motion injuries, stress injuries, and more.
Promote Balance
Good physical conditioning exercises and routines help to promote balance among those who participate in them. This helps employees avoid slips, trips, and falls in many situations.
How Can Businesses Promote Wellness?
There are several things your business can do to promote healthier living and lifestyles. Consider these as your attempts to cut back on workers’ compensation claims and as an investment in the health and wellbeing of your employees.
- Offer onsite fitness centers or discounted gym memberships.
- Provide healthy snack options onsite.
- Plan health fairs and education events throughout the year.
- Offer sponsorships for fitness activities such as team sports, 5K runs, and other active events within the community.
- Provide bike stands and locker facilities at work for those who wish to bike to work.
Little changes don’t necessarily cost companies big money, but can have a huge impact on employee health and workers compensation claims. Workers compensation insurance is something your business can’t live without. These steps help make it much more affordable.
