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ABSTRACT
This paper describes a study to determine the prevalence and characteristics of employee wellness programming amongst rural organizations and/or employers. A sample of convenience (n = 200) from a local human resource management association was surveyed via e-mail with an internet based questionnaire containing 20 items regarding employee wellness programming, activities, effectiveness, and measurement. The results indicated that the primary responsibility for employee wellness programming rests with the human resource department (63.6%). Most rural organizations ' employee wellness program are implemented to improve employee health, improve employee productivity, and to reduce absenteeism. The findings indicate human resource professionals in rural organizations are struggling to determine effective measures for employee wellness programs despite significant investments of money. Rural, unlike urban or metropolitan, based organizations are not offering substantial incentives to employees in order to increase participation, and are continuing to offer traditional employee wellness activities such as smoking cessation, and vaccinations. These employers are not measuring effectiveness (53%) and not realizing substantial cost savings (63.2%) for the return on investment.
Keywords: Workplace Wellness Programs; American Health Care System
LITERATURE REVIEW
It has been implied that the health care system in America is broken. These implications have created a stir amongst legislators, employers, organizations leaders, employees, and the general public alike. Many in these groups are demanding health care changes and reform, however it was only until recently that a comprehensive reform plan including legislation was put forth to correct the issues with health care in the United States. However, employers and health insurance carriers has been implementing small reform measures within organizations for decades including health and wellness programs at organizations across America.
Employee wellness programs are an organized, employer-sponsored program that is designed to support employees as they adopt sustainable behaviors that reduce health risks, improve quality of life, enhance personal effectiveness, and benefit the organizations financial position. (Berry, Mirabito, and Baun, 2010). Most employee wellness programs can be fit into one of three levels according to Gebhardt and Crump (1990). Level 1 programs focus on awareness and may include health fairs, newsletters, posters, flyers, health screenings, and, generally, other educational activities. Level 2 programs work toward modifying life-styles with such offerings as strength training or back training. This level provides participants with...