Think a healthy workplace campaign can’t benefit your organization? Think again. A study conducted by the American Heart Association found that employees who participate in a worksite health program improve blood pressure control by 9% and diabetes control by 15%. During the three year study, absenteeism due to those two conditions dropped by nearly 60%; and accidents in the workplace decreased by nearly 70%.

Healthy workplace campaigns can also help your bottom line by decreasing insurance premiums and other health care costs associated with unhealthy employees. For small investments, some companies are seeing huge benefits.

• Citibank, for every $1 spent, saw a savings of over $4.50
• Coors Brewing Company, for every $1 spent, saved $6.15
• The University of Michigan saved around $2 for every $1 invested in its workplace health program

There are many free and low-cost ways to start a healthy workplace campaign in your own office. Check out some of the links below for ideas on how to get your office’s wellness campaign started and for more information on healthy lifestyles.

Healthy Workplace Links:

• GroupHealth – Cycling For Health – Information on making the right decisions about cycling gear, getting started, and events calendar
• Spokane Regional Transportation Center – Road and recreational bike maps
• Spokane County Parks, Recreation, & Golf – List of golf courses and parks, recreational programs, and aquatic facilities
• Spokane Regional Health District – Health resources, classes, events calendar, and activity guides
• Health at Work –  Workplace wellness services
• Premera – Staying Healthy – Resource center, health quizzes & calculators, and self-assessment tools
• Washington Health Foundation – Health trackers, resource center, risk assessment, employee wellness plan, challenges, and programs
• HealthierUS.net – Information on getting and staying active, fitness tests, and nutrition suggestions
• HealthyPeople.gov – Health library, online health checkups, health calendar, and leading health indicators
• Spokane Parks & Rec – Classes, list of golf courses and parks, recreation links, and recreation activity guide