A recent study highlights the impressive outcomes of the UR Medicine Center for Employee Wellness, which demonstrates significant returns on investment and health benefits for program participants. Published in the journal Healthcare, the study reveals that each participant in the wellness program yielded cost savings of $1,224, equating to a remarkable $4.90 return for every dollar spent.
Among employees categorized with moderate to high cardiovascular disease risk, 48% showed improvement, surpassing predictions, while 33% advanced a full risk category. This is particularly notable as approximately one-sixth of annual healthcare spending is dedicated to cardiovascular disease treatment, a condition affecting nearly 50% of adults in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The UR Medicine Employee Wellness initiative is currently active in 85 organizations across Western New York, impacting nearly 70,000 individuals, including participants from diverse sectors ranging from education to manufacturing.
Renu Singh, the CEO of UR Medicine Employee Wellness, stated, ‘Being able to quantify the impact of Employee Wellness through a peer-reviewed journal is a reaffirmation that we are effectively meeting the needs of the populations we work with. There is no cookie-cutter approach when it comes to wellness.’ Singh added that a tailored approach has contributed to the program’s success.
In an effort to continue addressing the healthcare needs of the population, Employee Wellness programming has expanded to include newer initiatives focused on menopause, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and osteoarthritis.
Since its founding in 2012, the Center has successfully conducted over 100,000 biometric screenings, allowing registered nurses to assess health risks using on-site technology and help participants strategize their health improvements.
UR Medicine Employee Wellness distinguishes itself with programs that include personal health assessments, online wellness portals providing tailored content, and coaching for managing lifestyle and chronic conditions.
Unlike traditional for-profit wellness initiatives, UR Medicine’s program, based in the University of Rochester School of Nursing, is designed to remain innovative and responsive, utilizing only the best healthcare resources available as part of URMC.
Participants, like Cheryl Ellenwood, a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital, have spoken highly of the program. Following concerning health assessments, Ellenwood chose to engage in one-on-one coaching with clinical nutritionist Catherine Pluta. Ellenwood noted, ‘Just knowing that I had someone to be accountable to helped motivate me.’
As a result, she successfully lost 18 pounds and continues to maintain a healthier weight. ‘I am happier, healthier, and back to a weight that much more fits my frame,’ Ellenwood emphasized. ‘This was a really great, really enlightening experience.’
For more information about the Employee Wellness program, visit here. Employers interested in boosting their workplace wellness can also request a demonstration.
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