More employers are offering fitness centers or a subsidy program. For example, Ralston Purina has an on-site fitness center, while Allied Signal subsidizes health club memberships. The advantages are that wellness programs attract potential employees and improve profitability.
Workers variously report that their productivity rises and that they feel less stress.
Injuries and sick days tend to decrease. Part of the cost is usually borne by the employee. One challenge is that the healthiest employees are the ones to participate most. Therefore, companies are trying to market their programs to sedentary workers by offering special classes for infrequent exercisers, and buddies who have a similar level of fitness. They may also provide discounts to frequent participants.