Health Related Activity Doing Regularly Started within
For Over One Year Past Year
----------------- ---------------
Had health-related screening/exam 55% 23%
Went for physical exam 54% 21%
Tried to improve health through
exercise, better nutrition 53% 35%
Researched health condition 46% 28%
Researched specific doctor 33% 24%
Completed online health assessment 26% 22%
The survey reported that one out of four workers said they are more
stressed today than they were two years ago. The three top stress factors
cited are work and finances, both cited by 54 percent of respondents, and
work/life balance cited by 43 percent. A third of respondents indicated
they would take advantage of stress management programs if offered at work.
"Growing levels of stress among workers is clearly an issue employers will
have to address, especially as employees becoming increasingly concerned
about the current economic crisis. Employers will need to consider new
programs and better utilize existing programs such as stress management
courses, support groups, and referrals to mental health professionals to
help employees reduce stress," said Ms. Darling.
About three-fourths of respondents (74 percent) also stated that they are
trying to adopt healthier lifestyles today with the hope their health care
costs will be more manageable in the future while slightly more than one
half (54 percent) are saving money to cover health care costs in the
future.
"Employees are clearly faced with numerous hurdles to achieving their
health goals," said Ms. Darling. "Yet, with the ever rising cost of health
care, they appear undaunted in their resolve to improve their health as a
means of reducing future health costs."
The Role of Employer Communications
The survey found that workers benefit from their employers' health plan
communication efforts. Half of all respondents say the health care benefit
communications they receive from either their employer or health plan are
very valuable or extremely valuable. More than four out of ten (43
percent) said they took action to improve their overall health based on
these communications.
"Our survey amply demonstrates that employer health plan offerings and
communications catalyze employee health improvement efforts," stated Ms.
Darling. "Employers can strengthen their impact on employee health efforts
to reduce costs by identifying and addressing the real or perceived
barriers to utilization of wellness and health improvement services, and
continuing to drive the conversation about the importance of using health
services effectively."
About the Survey
The National Business Group on Health commissioned researchers at Fidelity
Consulting Group to survey employees of large U.S. employers. A total of
1,502 employees participated in the study, which was conducted in July
2008. To participate, workers had to be full- or part-time employees
working for an employer with a minimum of 2,000 employees, between the ages
of 22 and 69, and insured through an employer-sponsored or union-sponsored
health plan.
About the National Business Group on Health
The National Business Group on Health is the nation's only non-profit,
membership organization of large employers devoted exclusively to finding
innovative and forward-thinking solutions to their most important health
care and related benefits issues. The Business Group identifies and shares
best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity,
related paid time off and work/life balance issues. Business Group members
provide health coverage for more than 50 million U.S. workers, retirees and
their families. For more information about the Business Group, visit
www.businessgrouphealth.org.
Contact Information: Contact: Ed Emerman 609-275-5162 eemerman@eaglepr.com