Healthy Connections Helps Employees Take Better Control Of Their Health

HARTFORD — Healthier behaviors translate into fewer health issues within the workforce, which in turn can help lower health care costs for everyone. Most companies view wellness programs as an investment in their most valuable asset, their employees. They know a healthy workforce is happier and more productive. Studies show that companies with wellness programs yield 20 percent more productivity per employee than companies without wellness programs.

Those are just some of the reasons the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) has launched CBIA Healthy Connections, a wellness program for small businesses. The program uses cutting-edge online tools and resources to encourage employers and employees to become more engaged in wellness and to take better control of their own health.

“CBIA Healthy Connections is a smart prescription for controlling health care costs, increasing productivity, and improving employees’ quality of life,” says Philip Vogel, senior vice president of CBIA’s Service Corp. “With rising costs and uncertainties surrounding federal health care reform, it’s crucial for businesses to take steps to help reduce costs and improve the health of their employees.”

Businesses play an important role in improving the health and overall well-being of their workers because most people spend large amounts of time at work, making it the perfect location for promoting healthy habits. According to the journal Health Affairs, every $1 invested in wellness programs can save companies $2.73 in absenteeism costs.

“Worksite wellness programs have been delivering positive results for larger groups, but up until now little has been done in the small business market,” says Ken Comeau, vice president of sales, and products/services at CBIA. “Businesses with wellness programs experience improved employee morale, increased employee loyalty, reduced organizational conflicts, and improved employee decisionmaking abilities.”

CBIA Healthy Connections is free to all CBIA Health Connections members beginning January 1. The program includes:

 *An online health assessment and confidential employee health status report

 *Tools to help employees change behavior

 *Information to help businesses promote wellness within their companies

 *Feedback to help businesses monitor the success of their program

CBIA has partnered with LifeCare, a nationally respected wellness organization, to provide the employee online experience. LifeCare has been providing wellness benefits to more than 4.5 million people for more than two decades.

“CBIA Healthy Connections is simple, effective, and will improve employers’ bottom line and provide companies with a healthier, happier workforce,” said Mr Vogel.

For more information, visit CBIAHealthyConnections.com.