{"id":2815,"date":"2020-01-02T10:34:30","date_gmt":"2020-01-02T17:34:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/?p=2815"},"modified":"2026-03-09T18:12:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T00:12:43","slug":"wellness-programs-increase-productivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#How_can_workplace_wellness_programs_reduce_the_hidden_costs_of_presenteeism\" >How can workplace wellness programs reduce the hidden costs of presenteeism?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#What_research_explains_how_wellness_programs_increase_employee_productivity\" >What research explains how wellness programs increase employee productivity?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#How_do_elevated_health_risks_and_unhealthy_behaviors_affect_productivity\" >How do elevated health risks and unhealthy behaviors affect productivity?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#What_is_the_impact_of_unhealthy_behaviors_on_workplace_performance\" >What is the impact of unhealthy behaviors on workplace performance?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#Are_business_leaders_observing_productivity_gains_from_wellness_programs\" >Are business leaders observing productivity gains from wellness programs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#Do_wellness_programs_increase_productivity_in_small_companies\" >Do wellness programs increase productivity in small companies?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#Are_wellness_programs_successful\" >Are wellness programs successful?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#Does_employee_well-being_increase_productivity\" >Does employee well-being increase productivity?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#How_can_WellSteps_wellness_programs_support_workforce_productivity\" >How can WellSteps wellness programs support workforce productivity?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote executive-summary is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:1px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);font-size:17px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Executive Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group executive-summary\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>How do wellness programs increase employee productivity?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"executive-summary\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Wellness programs increase productivity by improving employee health, energy, and focus while reducing fatigue, stress, and preventable illness. Healthier employees are more present at work, miss fewer days, and are better able to concentrate and perform at a high level. Over time, consistent wellness efforts lead to stronger morale, higher engagement, and better overall job performance. This combination directly supports a more productive and resilient workforce.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-workplace-wellness-programs-reduce-the-hidden-costs-of-presenteeism\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_workplace_wellness_programs_reduce_the_hidden_costs_of_presenteeism\"><\/span>How can workplace wellness programs reduce the hidden costs of presenteeism?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Low employee output can often be attributed to staff members being physically present at their job but not engaging in work. This phenomenon is known as presenteeism. The financial toll of presenteeism, primarily due to poor employee health, is believed to be <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12802214\/\">two to three times the amount of direct health care expenses<\/a><\/strong>. Fortunately, workplace wellness programs can increase productivity by being an effective tool for enhancing employee health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the costs of presenteeism surpassing those associated with health care, this issue tends to be overlooked. This happens when employers are solely focused on the immediate costs related to employee health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason presenteeism is less visible on the business radar is because it isn&#8217;t a quantifiable cost reflected in the financial books or reports. Employers are acutely aware of the monthly health care bills for their staff, feeling the immediate impact on their finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4702\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"862\" height=\"513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png 862w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs-300x179.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs-768x457.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\" \/><\/figure><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Checks are written, accounts debited, and these expenditures are carefully monitored and controlled. In contrast, no direct payments are made towards mitigating presenteeism. It&#8217;s rare for businesses to regularly monitor work performance in a manner that identifies the impact of presenteeism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although workplace wellness initiatives are praised for their potential to decrease presenteeism, there has been a lack of supportive data up until recent times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers that manage to lower presenteeism rates can see significant improvements in workforce efficiency. Understanding the reduction of presenteeism through workplace wellness programs begins with a clear comprehension of its root causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22856386\/\">Recent studies<\/a>, such as those published in the Population Health Management journal, have shed light on the underlying factors of presenteeism, offering new insights into its causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-research-explains-how-wellness-programs-increase-employee-productivity\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_research_explains_how_wellness_programs_increase_employee_productivity\"><\/span>What research explains how wellness programs increase employee productivity?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2008, Healthways, a well-being improvement company, and Gallup formed a partnership. Their partnership formed to monitor well-being among communities throughout the United States by conducting 1,000 daily interviews with a survey called the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.well-beingindex.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index<\/a> (WBI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A survey called the Well-Being Assessment was developed. It was created by Healthways to capture a comprehensive picture of well-being at the individual level. This tool, adapted from the community WBI survey, also measures employee presenteeism, health and well-being within an organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Well-Being Assessment has been completed by numerous employers. In the new study cited above, data from three of these companies were used. These companies employed about 20,000 employees in diverse industries, including insurance, health care, and a customer service call center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees were asked to complete the survey as part of their benefits enrollment process.&nbsp;Employees were asked a series of questions about health behaviors such as smoking status, dietary habits, and physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20201030164858\/https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/blood-draw.bmp\" alt=\"Employee Health and Productivity, healthy population can increase productivity, healthy employees are more productive\" class=\"wp-image-2936\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Information was also collected on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2016\/07\/11\/how-to-do-biometric-screening\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">health risks<\/a> such as body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, heart attack, asthma, cancer, chronic neck and back conditions that cause pain or knee or leg conditions that cause pain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To measure presenteeism, employees were asked a series of questions around specific productivity barriers within their workplace. Employee responses to these questions were tallied and used to create a total presenteeism score. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-elevated-health-risks-and-unhealthy-behaviors-affect-productivity\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_elevated_health_risks_and_unhealthy_behaviors_affect_productivity\"><\/span>How do elevated health risks and unhealthy behaviors affect productivity?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Presenteeism scores among these employees varied widely. So, to help detect patterns, employees with a presenteeism score in the top 20 percent were considered to have high presenteeism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Multiple comparisons were made to understand how employee health behavior was associated with high presenteeism. These comparisons help clarify the relationship between employee health and presenteeism. And they show how participating in a wellness program can increase productivity at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, smokers were 28% more likely to have high presenteeism than non-smokers. Figure 1 shows the increased likelihood of high presenteeism among employees with three health behaviors. In addition to higher presenteeism among smokers, employees with an unhealthy diet were 66% more likely to have high presenteeism than those who regularly ate whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees who didn\u2019t exercise very much were 50% more likely to have high presenteeism than employees who were regular exercisers. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/images\/stories\/manuscripts\/Presenteeism%20by%20health%20behaviors.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">These findings<\/a> demonstrate that poor health behaviors are strongly associated with high levels of presenteeism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-impact-of-unhealthy-behaviors-on-workplace-performance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_impact_of_unhealthy_behaviors_on_workplace_performance\"><\/span>What is the impact of unhealthy behaviors on workplace performance?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, unhealthy individual lifestyle choices may result in substantially higher levels of lost productive work time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Absenteeism-by-health-behaviors.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"952\" height=\"476\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Absenteeism-by-health-behaviors.jpg\" alt=\"healthy employees are more productive, presenteeism\" class=\"wp-image-158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Absenteeism-by-health-behaviors.jpg 952w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Absenteeism-by-health-behaviors-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 952px) 100vw, 952px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>This figure displays increased rates of high presenteeism among employees who smoke, don\u2019t eat healthy, or don\u2019t exercise regularly.&nbsp;Poor health behaviors eventually lead to elevated health risks and chronic diseases. The figure below shows coordinated health risks. Excess body weight, elevated blood pressure, and high cholesterol increase the odds of having high presenteeism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other health conditions in this figure further paint the presenteeism picture \u2013 the presence of risk factors, pain and chronic disease, especially chronic depression, dramatically increase the odds of having high presenteeism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism-2-1024x550.png\" alt=\"healthy employees are more productive, presenteeism\" class=\"wp-image-2378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism-2-1024x550.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism-2-300x161.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism-2-768x413.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism-2.png 1254w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/images\/stories\/manuscripts\/Presenteeism%20by%20health%20behaviors.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">These published results<\/a> confirm several ideas that have previously been assumed but not directly tested. Presenteeism is associated with poor health behaviors as well as elevated health risks and the presence of chronic disease. This information is important because the number of employees with excess body fat, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles has never been greater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"wellness programs, healthy employees are more productive\" class=\"wp-image-146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/presenteeism.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The rate of diabetes in the U.S. workforce has also risen to unprecedented levels. The increases in this and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases suggest that the cost associated with presenteeism and poor employee health is likely to grow in the absence of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2016\/09\/07\/best-worksite-wellness-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">effective strategies to reverse these trends.<\/a> One strategy is to implement an employee wellness program to help employees be healthier and thus increase productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-are-business-leaders-observing-productivity-gains-from-wellness-programs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_business_leaders_observing_productivity_gains_from_wellness_programs\"><\/span>Are business leaders observing productivity gains from wellness programs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees who fail to receive a flu shot may get lucky and not get the flu. But those who do get the flu may miss some days of work or, alternatively, will be less productive at work and spread this illness to co-workers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting a flu shot can prevent the flu and associated lost productive time. A flu shot is relatively easy to get, inexpensive, and can prevent presenteeism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is just one example of how a worksite can implement an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/15\/best-employee-wellness-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employee health management strategy<\/a> that maintains employee health and improves productivity. Employee health management or wellness programs can have a direct impact on presenteeism. They are the best practical solution to curb the hidden costs of presenteeism and increase productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3128505\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ample evidence<\/a> that properly implemented worksite wellness programs can improve employee health and productivity.&nbsp;The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/19108644\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">evidence<\/a> that these programs can also reduce employee presenteeism is growing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite this substantial and growing body of evidence, many employers are still reluctant to fully implement wellness strategies. Here are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2017\/08\/14\/workplace-wellness-statistics-wellness-stats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">top&nbsp;5 workplace wellness statistics every employer should know.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, management remains skeptical that there will be a tangible improvement in health if they make this investment.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/demosignup\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/296-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"wellness programs, Employee Health and Productivity\" class=\"wp-image-2376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/296-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/296-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/296-768x510.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-wellness-programs-increase-productivity-in-small-companies\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_wellness_programs_increase_productivity_in_small_companies\"><\/span>Do wellness programs increase productivity in small companies?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This skepticism is a particular concern among leaders of small and mid-sized companies, who may question whether effective wellness strategies reported by larger employers are practical for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, <a href=\"http:\/\/hero-health.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HERO<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/images\/stories\/manuscripts\/lincoln%20wellness%20results.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">others<\/a>&nbsp;began to demonstrate that small companies can create <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2016\/03\/01\/start-an-employee-wellness-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">leadership-driven wellness efforts<\/a> that improve employee health and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leadership reluctance is also based on the fact that, \u201ccompanies don\u2019t write checks for presenteeism.\u201d Presenteeism is a hidden cost that contributes to financial reports as increased revenue or profitability only when it is prevented. Even then, the dollar value of this prevention is invisible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key to this issue is the fact that standardized, well-accepted tools for measuring presenteeism and workforce productivity have not yet achieved broad adoption in businesses. The adage that \u201cyou cannot manage what you don\u2019t measure\u201d is an unfortunate reality when it comes to presenteeism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-are-wellness-programs-successful\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_wellness_programs_successful\"><\/span>Are wellness programs successful?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/explore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Worksite wellness&nbsp;programs<\/a> have historically focused on reducing heath care costs. This research highlights that the benefits of healthy employees extend beyond <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/02\/effective-workplace-health-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reducing health care cost trends<\/a> to improving employee wellness and reducing the impact of employee health on productivity. Presenteeism is here to stay, and it will only get worse if current trends continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The one viable way to improve employee health and lower presenteeism is to implement an effective worksite wellness program that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2016\/04\/08\/wellness-program-engagement-the-complete-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">engages employees<\/a> and supports them in improving their health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-does-employee-well-being-increase-productivity\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_employee_well-being_increase_productivity\"><\/span>Does employee well-being increase productivity?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees who maintain healthy lifestyles tend to perform better and manage their stress and time more efficiently. They are more likely to have better energy levels and are less likely to get sick.&nbsp;Explore more about how healthy employees contribute to a productive work place in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/15\/healthy-employees-3\/#:~:text=Employees%20who%20maintain%20healthy%20lifestyles,less%20likely%20to%20get%20sick.\">this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-wellsteps-wellness-programs-support-workforce-productivity\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_WellSteps_wellness_programs_support_workforce_productivity\"><\/span>How can WellSteps wellness programs support workforce productivity?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;I have been able to make better food choices. Making dinners that are healthier are not as hard as I once thought.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;I was gaining weight in March 2020<\/em> and <em>was worried that my family would get sick and die after getting my husband through a cancer treatment last year. I needed to get rid of this weight and make all of my health appointments and concentrate on my health on a daily basis instead of wasting my time worrying. On my birthday in June, I began to eat differently including eliminating gluten, walking and losing over 40 lbs.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;I have really enjoyed the WellSteps program so far. I have always tried to live a healthy lifestyle but have never really been consistent with it since getting out of the Military. This program has really helped keep me on track to reach my goals!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;I have lost 165 pounds in a year and a half\u2026 WellSteps has been a huge part of my success. I highly suggest all employees start using it!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;Since starting WellSteps, we have been far more active in the office! Everyday a large group will use a part of their break and we walk about 2 miles in the business park. I have lost 12lbs in the last 3 months, and my coworkers are shedding pounds as well! Not only are we feeling good, our team morale has increased too! Can&#8217;t wait to see where this journey takes us!&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/demosignup\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/guarantee-1024x482.png\" alt=\"wellness programs, Employee Health and Productivity\" class=\"wp-image-2281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/guarantee-1024x482.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/guarantee-300x141.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/guarantee-768x362.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/guarantee.png 1501w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Looking for more? Check out <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/employee-well-being-at-work\/\">7 Important Reasons to Offer Employee Well-being at Work<\/a><\/strong> or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/demosignup\">schedule a demo<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773101472604\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do wellness programs increase productivity for employees?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">When companies ask how wellness programs increase productivity, the answer usually starts with energy. Healthier employees have better focus, fewer sick days, and more stamina\u2014leading to measurable performance gains.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773101483822\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why is stress management essential for increasing productivity?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Chronic stress destroys productivity. Programs that include mindfulness, breathing breaks, and recovery habits help employees work with more clarity and confidence.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773101485387\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do workplace challenges increase productivity?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Challenges add connection and accountability. When employees participate together, wellness programs increase productivity through shared motivation and improved morale.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773101486108\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can wellness programs increase productivity for remote teams?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Absolutely. Digital reminders and mobile-friendly challenges ensure that wellness programs increase productivity for remote workers without adding complexity.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773101487757\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What tools help HR track how wellness programs increase productivity?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Engagement stats, participation reports, and habit tracking through MyTracker help HR connect wellness to real productivity improvements.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can workplace wellness programs reduce the hidden costs of presenteeism? Low employee output can often be attributed to staff members being physically present at their job but not engaging in work. This phenomenon is known as presenteeism. The financial toll of presenteeism, primarily due to poor employee health, is believed to be two to&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">How Do Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4702,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[580,12,6,5,522,19,11,63],"tags":[1412,1411,13,42,1410,1413,1409],"class_list":["post-2815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-corporate-wellness-programs","category-employee-wellness","category-outcomes-based-wellness","category-productivity","category-wellness-programs","category-workplace-wellness","category-worksite-wellness","category-worksite-wellness-program","tag-employee-productivity","tag-health-and-productivity","tag-presenteeism","tag-productivity","tag-productivity-and-wellness","tag-wellbeing-and-productivity","tag-wellness-and-productivity"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wellness programs increase employee productivity. Here is the evidence that connects employee wellness programs and higher productivity.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Do Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Executive Summary How do wellness programs increase employee productivity? Wellness programs increase productivity by improving employee health, energy,\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WellSteps\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-01-02T17:34:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-10T00:12:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"862\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"513\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dr. Steve Aldana\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@wellsteps\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@wellsteps\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Dr. Steve Aldana\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Dr. Steve Aldana\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5a665881fbbbd2658e8b0fab9a2f701e\"},\"headline\":\"How Do Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace?\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-01-02T17:34:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-10T00:12:43+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1923,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/01\\\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png\",\"keywords\":[\"employee productivity\",\"health and productivity\",\"presenteeism\",\"productivity\",\"productivity and wellness\",\"wellbeing and productivity\",\"wellness and productivity\"],\"articleSection\":[\"corporate wellness programs\",\"employee wellness\",\"outcomes-based wellness\",\"productivity\",\"Wellness programs\",\"workplace wellness\",\"worksite wellness\",\"worksite wellness program\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/\",\"name\":\"How Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/01\\\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-01-02T17:34:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-10T00:12:43+00:00\",\"description\":\"Wellness programs increase employee productivity. Here is the evidence that connects employee wellness programs and higher productivity.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101472604\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101483822\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101485387\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101486108\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101487757\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/01\\\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2018\\\/01\\\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png\",\"width\":862,\"height\":513,\"caption\":\"Group doing high kicks at an outdoor exercise class.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How Do Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Blog\",\"description\":\"Effective Employee Wellness Solutions\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"WellSteps\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/12\\\/logo1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/12\\\/logo1.jpg\",\"width\":2443,\"height\":760,\"caption\":\"WellSteps\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/WellSteps\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/wellsteps\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/wellsteps\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCWdZuzr-WBwUtgxUr6sC4jQ\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5a665881fbbbd2658e8b0fab9a2f701e\",\"name\":\"Dr. Steve Aldana\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/9947cbc048487036152bad093a611b6140eb2e1b8553c29965e400ae109f7f6d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/9947cbc048487036152bad093a611b6140eb2e1b8553c29965e400ae109f7f6d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/9947cbc048487036152bad093a611b6140eb2e1b8553c29965e400ae109f7f6d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Dr. Steve Aldana\"},\"description\":\"Dr. Aldana is the CEO of Wellsteps, a worksite wellness solution that leads the nation in wellness program deployment and engagement. Dr. Aldana authored over 75 scientific papers and 7 books on health risk management, healthy living, and health promotion programs. He has given over 350 keynote speeches across the U.S. on the ability of good nutrition and regular exercise to prevent, arrest, and reverse many chronic diseases.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/steve\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101472604\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101472604\",\"name\":\"How do wellness programs increase productivity for employees?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"When companies ask how wellness programs increase productivity, the answer usually starts with energy. Healthier employees have better focus, fewer sick days, and more stamina\u2014leading to measurable performance gains.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101483822\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101483822\",\"name\":\"Why is stress management essential for increasing productivity?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Chronic stress destroys productivity. Programs that include mindfulness, breathing breaks, and recovery habits help employees work with more clarity and confidence.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101485387\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101485387\",\"name\":\"How do workplace challenges increase productivity?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Challenges add connection and accountability. When employees participate together, wellness programs increase productivity through shared motivation and improved morale.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101486108\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101486108\",\"name\":\"Can wellness programs increase productivity for remote teams?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Absolutely. Digital reminders and mobile-friendly challenges ensure that wellness programs increase productivity for remote workers without adding complexity.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101487757\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wellsteps.com\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/02\\\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\\\/#faq-question-1773101487757\",\"name\":\"What tools help HR track how wellness programs increase productivity?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Engagement stats, participation reports, and habit tracking through MyTracker help HR connect wellness to real productivity improvements.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace","description":"Wellness programs increase employee productivity. Here is the evidence that connects employee wellness programs and higher productivity.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How Do Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace?","og_description":"Executive Summary How do wellness programs increase employee productivity? Wellness programs increase productivity by improving employee health, energy,","og_url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/","og_site_name":"Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WellSteps\/","article_published_time":"2020-01-02T17:34:30+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-10T00:12:43+00:00","og_image":[{"width":862,"height":513,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Dr. Steve Aldana","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@wellsteps","twitter_site":"@wellsteps","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Dr. Steve Aldana","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/"},"author":{"name":"Dr. Steve Aldana","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5a665881fbbbd2658e8b0fab9a2f701e"},"headline":"How Do Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace?","datePublished":"2020-01-02T17:34:30+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-10T00:12:43+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/"},"wordCount":1923,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png","keywords":["employee productivity","health and productivity","presenteeism","productivity","productivity and wellness","wellbeing and productivity","wellness and productivity"],"articleSection":["corporate wellness programs","employee wellness","outcomes-based wellness","productivity","Wellness programs","workplace wellness","worksite wellness","worksite wellness program"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/","url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/","name":"How Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png","datePublished":"2020-01-02T17:34:30+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-10T00:12:43+00:00","description":"Wellness programs increase employee productivity. Here is the evidence that connects employee wellness programs and higher productivity.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101472604"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101483822"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101485387"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101486108"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101487757"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/employee-health-and-productivity-programs.png","width":862,"height":513,"caption":"Group doing high kicks at an outdoor exercise class."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Do Wellness Programs Increase Productivity in the Workplace?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/","name":"Blog","description":"Effective Employee Wellness Solutions","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"WellSteps","url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/logo1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/logo1.jpg","width":2443,"height":760,"caption":"WellSteps"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WellSteps\/","https:\/\/x.com\/wellsteps","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/wellsteps","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCWdZuzr-WBwUtgxUr6sC4jQ"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5a665881fbbbd2658e8b0fab9a2f701e","name":"Dr. Steve Aldana","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9947cbc048487036152bad093a611b6140eb2e1b8553c29965e400ae109f7f6d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9947cbc048487036152bad093a611b6140eb2e1b8553c29965e400ae109f7f6d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9947cbc048487036152bad093a611b6140eb2e1b8553c29965e400ae109f7f6d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Dr. Steve Aldana"},"description":"Dr. Aldana is the CEO of Wellsteps, a worksite wellness solution that leads the nation in wellness program deployment and engagement. Dr. Aldana authored over 75 scientific papers and 7 books on health risk management, healthy living, and health promotion programs. He has given over 350 keynote speeches across the U.S. on the ability of good nutrition and regular exercise to prevent, arrest, and reverse many chronic diseases.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com"],"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/author\/steve\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101472604","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101472604","name":"How do wellness programs increase productivity for employees?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"When companies ask how wellness programs increase productivity, the answer usually starts with energy. Healthier employees have better focus, fewer sick days, and more stamina\u2014leading to measurable performance gains.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101483822","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101483822","name":"Why is stress management essential for increasing productivity?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Chronic stress destroys productivity. Programs that include mindfulness, breathing breaks, and recovery habits help employees work with more clarity and confidence.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101485387","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101485387","name":"How do workplace challenges increase productivity?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Challenges add connection and accountability. When employees participate together, wellness programs increase productivity through shared motivation and improved morale.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101486108","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101486108","name":"Can wellness programs increase productivity for remote teams?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Absolutely. Digital reminders and mobile-friendly challenges ensure that wellness programs increase productivity for remote workers without adding complexity.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101487757","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/wellness-programs-increase-productivity\/#faq-question-1773101487757","name":"What tools help HR track how wellness programs increase productivity?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Engagement stats, participation reports, and habit tracking through MyTracker help HR connect wellness to real productivity improvements.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2815"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":111348,"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2815\/revisions\/111348"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4702"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}