What Is The Future of Health Care in the USA?
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Write to the new administration before Dec. 31!
Obama appointed Tom Daschle to spearhead the health care reform efforts
in the United States. The plan is to get started ASAP. The White House
Transition Team is looking for feedback about health care reform from
Americans.
Now is not the time to go to sleep on the job. If you represent a US employer that offers health coverage to any of its US employees then this is an issue that stands to significantly impact you personally and the business as a whole. Please remember that democracy is not a spectator sport!
Our bright ideas matter. Make your voice heard before Dec. 31, 2008:
Let Obama and Daschle Know What You Think »
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Recess vs. The Holiday Party
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Photocopies of a tushie or yoga @ work. Who'll win?
In light of the economic downturns, layoffs and overall fiscal belt-tightening in corporate America wouldn't it be a good idea to reconsider the way we spend our "morale" dollars to help the remaining employees weather the economic storm under a wee bit less stress?
While we certainly don't condone violence, this month's newsletter is going to feature a good, clean fight. And we want you to referee!
In the first corner:
The Office Holiday Party
Weighing in at a minimum of $25 per person (that's about 4,000
buckeroos @ a company of 150 people), this hometown favorite is sure to
deliver one night of what is sure to be awkward & drunken
coversation, inappropriate copies of someone's rear end and a case of serious indigestion - not to mention weight gain. In the second corner:
Recess Office Yoga, or, No-Sweat Stretch ClassWeighing in at a slight $90 per event (that's nearly a class a week for a year at the same price as The Office Holiday Party), this scrappy challenger pummels the living daylight out of stress, neck and back pain. Quick and nimble he can fit in hallways, board rooms and can do it all without anyone breaking a sweat or having to change clothes. This flexible lad allows you to do all of your booking online (not on the ropes). What is your vote? Would you rather have 50 yoga, relaxation or stretch classes per year or one holiday party? Weigh in with your answer on our blog, make your voice heard and see what others had to say. Cast your vote! »
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Bang for Your Buck: How Much Does Wellness Cost?
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A bit o' this & a bit o' that gets a whole lot of nothin'
"Employers need to ask themselves, would they spend $300-which isless than 5% of the cost of a health plan for one employee-to give the organization the opportunity to reduce healthcare costs significantly?"  Larry Chapman, MPH and a Senior VP for WebMD health services posed this question for employers in an interview with David Hunnicutt, PhD and President of the Wellness Council of America.
Chapman goes on to say that less sophisticated wellness programs where "employers might invest $10 to $50 per person per year" are "the least likely to produce a return on investment."
According to Chapman,most effective Health and Productivity Programs cost between $100-$300 per employee per year.
If your company is offering wellness simply as a fun way to bring employees together then there is nothing wrong with funding programs at a lower level; however, any manager hoping to slow health care costs trends, improve productivity, or, leverage significant and meaningful engagement in wellness company-wide should have a frank conversation with management regarding their expectations for the wellness program.
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See Some of Recess' Pricing »
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