National Employee Health and Fitness Day

This Wednesday is National Employee Health and Fitness Day. Small business employers need to look at the long-term view of health care costs and the impact of health on the job. Cost cutting in the past year has seen a decline in workplace programs such as fitness club memberships. Although your business may lack the funds for a full scale employee wellness program, there are many low cost alternatives like a lunch-and-learn for wellness or a noon hour walking club.

Taking interest in your employee's health just makes good sense. The National Association for Health and Fitness highlights the following benefits for companies who offer workplace health programs:

• Enhanced employee productivity
• Improved health care costs management
• Decreased rates of illness and injuries
• Reduced employee absenteeism
• Develops employee leadership skills