Another issue companies are examining with respect to employee health is physical environment. In an effort to avoid repetitive stress injuries, Kennewick-based Pay Plus Benefits Inc. has invested in ergonomically correct chairs for all company members. King County employs four full-time industrial hygienists, whose job it is to ensure workplace safety and evaluate and secure ergonomically correct workstations. They've made a concerted effort to address building concerns like molds and proper air ventilation and even moved an entire department out of a building where fumes and rats were discovered. Poor air quality and allergens affect employees' health and ability to be productive.
Some years see exceptionally high healthcare spending while others see comparatively little.
Chapman says that the 1,000-person figure for return on wellness investment still holds true, but in the case of a smaller company, costs must be spread out over a period of time. For example, a company of 350 people will see the same returns over a period of three years. He also stresses that consumer health education and injury prevention not only at work, but at home, in vehicles, and during recreational activities are excellent ways for every company to reduce healthcare costs and absenteeism. Pay Plus has focused almost all of its wellness efforts on reducing stress and promoting autonomy and mental well-being. With only 14 in-house employees, the company doesn't have the comparatively luxurious budgets that Boeing and Providence enjoy.