U.S., U.K. Workers Have Divergent Views on Wellness

Wellness Plans in Need of Checkup: Two recent studies show conflicting views about the value of employee wellness programs. The number of companies providing fitness facilities to employees has nearly doubled since 2005, from 38 percent to more than 60 percent at present, according to a study by Principal Financial. More than half of all employees say wellness programs offered by their employer encourage them to work harder and stay longer with their employees. But while these findings suggest progress is being made by U.S. companies, the reverse appears to be happening in Great Britain. According to research organization Investors in People, one-third of British organizations don’t see the value of wellness investments. Compounding the difficulty is this: British employers equate wellness with regulatory compliance or providing rest areas, while employees want improved support from supervisors, flexible working arrangements and open communication.