From absenteeism due to illness to the cost of disability and workers’ compensation, poor health costs the U.S. economy more than a half a trillion dollars a year, according to a 2012 study by The Integrated Benefits Institute, a nonprofit research organization. You can cut down on these costs by taking proactive steps to reduce the impact of these four office illnesses. 

Many employers view absenteeism as a large source of loss for an organization and many companies commonly develop specific policies to combat the indirect costs of lost productivity. This common misconception encourages employees to avoid missing work when they’re sick, and often they’re unable to perform at their usual level of efficiency. Recent studies have shown that the combination of health care costs for the employee, coupled with their lack of productivity during the workday, has a far greater effect to an employer than if the individual had simply taken sick days and stayed home. This phenomenon of “presenteeism” is quickly becoming an emerging concern in the workplace.  

The motivations behind holding a biometric screening can range from cutting insurance costs to creating a healthy corporate culture. Regardless of the reasoning for hosting your on-site screenings, one thing is for certain – health screenings can (and do!) save lives. Here, we detail five of the most important tests your employees can take to determine their health risks, identify areas of opportunity and become healthier, happier individuals.

Picture a workplace where you and your team are able to be your best selves each and every day. It’s possible, and it doesn’t require a massive human resources initiative or expensive company retreat to achieve. In fact, you can create this culture of optimism yourself, simply by refining your day-to-day thoughts, beliefs and actions to celebrate the bright side of your work, your peers, and your life.

At a recent session of the Aspen Ideas Festival, PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi shared her perspective, stating, “I don't think women can have it all.”

This thought-provoking remark is not meant to spark a feud with Sheryl Sandberg and the Lean In movement but rather to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding work-life balance.

Appreciative. Apprehensive. Scared. Eager. There are a lot of emotions surrounding the way employees experience company flu shots. A quick keyword scan on Twitter brought up these tweets about onsite flu clinics. Some are grateful, some are terrified and others seem slightly misinformed.

Take a break from the romance novels this summer and opt for a reading list that's packed with positivity, nutrition, health and wellness. Here are ten of our favorite books to change your perspective, inspire your life and motivate your health: 

As flu season starts all around the United States, the issue continues to come up: What about vaccination for health care workers -- doctors, nurses, and people who have any clinical contact with patients?

With the weather heating up and the Fourth of July just around the corner, we can officially say that the season of company picnics has arrived. While it can be tempting to make things simple and suggest an all-out potluck, we don't think your wellness program would be best-served by a spread of mayonnaise-laden salads, fried chicken and high-calorie desserts. Host a healthy company picnic (without sacrificing flavor or tradition!) by following these tips: 

The Barbecue

Coworkers and social networks can play a significant role in the culture of your workplace and the success of your wellness program. Because the majority of us spend the bulk of our waking hours at work, our peers inevitably influence our health. Our coworkers' attitudes towards health screenings, smoking, fitness, nutrition, and flu shots can all affect our own decision-making.