Worker Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the workplace is an important setting for health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention programs. On average, Americans working full-time spend more than one-third of their day, five days per week at the workplace. While employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and hazard-free workplace, they also have abundant opportunities to promote individual health and foster a healthy work environment for millions of workers in the United States.

The use of effective workplace programs and policies can reduce health risks and improve the quality of life for American workers. Maintaining a healthier workforce can lower direct costs such as insurance premiums and worker’s compensation claims. It will also positively impact many indirect costs such as absenteeism and worker productivity.

To improve the health of their employees, businesses can create a wellness culture that is employee-centered; provides supportive environments where safety is ensured and health can emerge; and provides access and opportunities for their employees to engage in a variety of workplace health programs.