Workers Want Weight Loss Help From Employers

U.S. workers are looking to their employers for assistance with wellness programs that can help them slim down and shape up, according to a Principal Financial Group survey. The survey focused on employees at small and midsize U.S. businesses that employ anywhere from 10 to 1,000 employees.

Weight-loss-related benefits were among the top-three most desired perks, according to the survey, which found that 27% of respondents wanted their employer to offer fitness facilities. Twenty-four percent wanted fitness-center discounts and 17% wanted to see a weight-management program instituted at the office.

Because their health insurance plans are often less flexible, small employers have fewer options for incentives tied to the health plan, but they can still use premium reductions, health savings account, and health reimbursement account contributions to encourage wellness. ◆