Employers Can Play Key Role in Improving Employee Health

According to the Index, 60% of Canadian employees have three or more unhealthy behaviors. Sun Life noted in a press release that these employees are more likely to incur higher group benefit costs due to absenteeism, drug claims and disability.  

Sixty percent of employees said they believe their employers have some responsibility when it comes to their health.  

The press release also noted: 

• Employees with three or more risk factors are absent 50% more often and use two to three times more in group health costs; 
• For every dollar spent on wellness programs, medical costs fall by about $3.27 and absenteeism costs fall by about $2.73; and 
• Plan members who quit smoking can save their employer about $3,396 per year.