Focusing Employers who implement wellness programs are reporting improvements in employee productivity and morale. on Healthier Middle market employers are starting to put more effort in longer term benefits initiatives that support the connection between healthy employees Employees and business performance. These programs are the cornerstone of a long-term benefit strategy that supports a healthier and more engaged for a workforce. There’s a reason health and performance initiatives have gained traction Healthier among middle market benefits decision-makers. These strategies are delivering a return on investment, according to 66 percent of respondents. Business How has it been evidenced? More than a third of respondents cite improved employee productivity (35 percent) and morale (34 percent). This is especially true among the larger firms, at 40 percent and 38 percent respectively. (See Figure 4) 65% of respondents are getting a return on investment in their health & perfomance programs. Is your program delivering for you? Figure 4. Most Improved Metrics After Wellness Program Implementation Areas of improvement after implementing a wellness or health and performance program for your employees. EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY 35% EMPLOYEE MORALE 34% MEDICAL/RX CLAIMS 29% EMPLOYEE RETENTION 29% WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COSTS 28% EMPLOYEE STRESS REDUCTION 26% DISABILITY CLAIMS 22% EMPLOYEE TURNOVER 21% ABSENTEEISM 18% CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT 16% RECRUITMENT 14% PRESENTEEISM 8% DON’T HAVE A WELLNESS, HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE PROGRAM 7% Research Report | Employee Benefits Barometer: SMB Perspectives and Priorities in an Era of Disruption 7