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California Employers Lead the Way in Promoting Employee Health and Wellness

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

California's growing obesity epidemic has sparked a commitment among employers to create healthier work environments, resulting in significant reductions in health care costs and increased productivity. A group of six California businesses and organizations were recently awarded the first California Fit Business Awards for their efforts to combat obesity through employee health and wellness programs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over half of California's adults are overweight or obese, and the state tops the nation with $7.7 billion of the $75 billion in obesity-related medical costs (CDC).
  • Innovative employers like University Health Services and Contra Costa County Schools Insurance Group provide programs and policies that make their workplaces healthier environments for employees, reducing the risk of chronic diseases (Tom Torlakson, Senator).
  • Subsidized healthy lunches, healthy snacks in vending machines, fitness education, and walking clubs are among the programs and policies implemented by the award-winning employers.
  • University Health Services' employees participate in health and fitness programs, including a regular walking group, an online weight management program, and noontime educational programs (Pam Cameron, Assistant Director for Clinical Services).
  • CCCSIG, a small company, was recognized for their wellness programs in the 26 to 99 employee category, hosting regular brown bag presentations and providing one-on-one personal training and nutrition consultations (CCCSIG).
  • Over 50 companies across the state applied for the California Fit Business Award, which recognizes employers that promote a healthier workplace through a variety of programs and policies (California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness).

Statistics:

  • More than 75% of medical costs are attributable to chronic diseases, which are largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices (California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness).
  • California adults should eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables and engage in 30 minutes of physical activity every day to reduce their risks of certain types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
  • The California Fit Business Award winners have implemented various strategies to improve access to fruits and vegetables and physical activity at the workplace, including providing in-house fitness centers and offering personal training and nutrition consultations.
  • California tops all other states with $7.7 billion of the nation's $75 billion in obesity-related medical costs (CDC).

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Senator Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch)
  • University Health Services
  • Contra Costa County Schools Insurance Group (CCCSIG)
  • California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness
  • California 5 a Day Worksite Program
  • California Nutrition Network and California 5 a Day Campaign
  • California Senate Concurrent Resolution #40 (2001)

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