Aspiria
Corporate Wellness Returns $3.50
Corporate wellness programs are returning $3.50 for every dollar invested, says Dr. Dwight Chapin, clinic director at the High Point Wellness Centre.
Speaking on ‘Developing a Corporate Wellness Program: From Theory to Practice’ at the Industrial Accident Prevention Association’s ‘Partners in Prevention 2010: Ontario Health & Safety Conference & Trade Show,’ he said this increases to $4.30 when reduced absenteeism numbers are included.
Peer-viewed research on the impact of corporate wellness programs also shows that there is a 27 per cent reduction in sick leave absenteeism, a 26 per cent reduction in health costs, and a 32 per cent decline in workers’ compensation and disability claims. Where wellness once was a “nice” thing to have which was eliminated when budget cuts were needed, today it is a key strategy as businesses look to manage health costs, he said.
Source: Benefits & Pensions Monitor
Employers Running Out Of Options
Employers are frustrated and running out of options to cut healthcare costs, says Rob Crofts, vice-president, life and health, Corporate Benefit Analysts. Speaking on ‘The ROI of Workplace Wellness’ at the Medtronic of Canada Ltd. and Tri Fit ‘Diabetes Prevention in the Workplace: Sharing Best Practices Breakfast Symposium,’ he said today’s lifestyles are tomorrow’s claims as the aging demographic will lead to higher benefit plan costs.
For example, on average, a 42-year-old employee will submit $1,508 in annual health claims, while a 57-year-old will submit 50 per cent more, $2,255. However, with 70 per cent of ill health preventable, he said, employer objectives will change as they realize preventing illness is less expensive than treating it.
Source: Benefits & Pensions Monitor
Absenteeism Tracked Poorly
Canadian organizations generally do not track employee absenteeism well, even though rates – already high by international standards – are on the rise, says a Conference Board of Canada’s survey of employer-sponsored benefits, ‘Beyond Benefits II: Disability Plans and Absence Management in Canadian Workplaces.’ “Absenteeism rates reached their highest point in several years in 2008/09.
The implications of absenteeism for organizations are significant – both in terms of lost wages and productivity, and in the potential to substantially reduce costs through better management of their programs,” says Karla Thorpe, associate director, compensation and industrial relations. The first step to controlling absenteeism is to measure rates and direct costs. Organizations have traditionally focused on watching their long-term disability programs more closely than sick leave or short-term disability programs.
Yet, the survey found that an average of nine per cent of full-time employees were on short-term disability in 2008. The direct cost of absenteeism averaged 2.6 per cent of payroll in these organizations in 2008.
Source: Benefits & Pensions Monitor
June 16, 2010 – Aspiria Sponsors Annual Tourette Syndrome Golf Tournament
As a way of giving back to our community, Aspiria is involved in supporting charitable foundations such as the Tourette Syndrome Golf Tournament. We have participated as a sponsor, event coordinator, and volunteer of this tournament for the past 5 years raising funds for children and adults afflicted with Tourette Syndrome. The stigma attached to Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disabilities can be devastating for a child who is trying to integrate at home and school. Through the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada, Aspiria helps with education, awareness and, the promotion of research. Enjoy the short video which provides highlights of this year’s Tourette Golf Tournament.
http://www.5gearstudios.com/charity.html
