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Survey Finds Employers Recognize the Benefits of Onsite Health Centers

August 7, 2012 – Onsite health centers continue to be popular among employers, according to the 2012 Onsite Health Center Survey by Towers Watson [TowersWatson.com].

Researchers asked 74 employers (operating in various sectors and representing 1.7 million employees) to answer 21 questions on the use of onsite health centers as a key component to control healthcare costs, promote a culture of health, and improve the quality of care.

Here’s a look at some of the findings:

• 48 percent of employers say the need to improve health and productivity efforts is a top reason to establish a health center (an eight percent jump from 2008).

• 62 percent of companies say a key reason they keep health centers open is improved employee productivity.

• 57 percent of employers believe health centers help reduce company costs.

• Nearly 70 percent of organizations contract health centers through a commercial third-party vendor. Another five percent contract through a local health system.

• More than 50 percent of companies allow or plan to allow employee spouses to use their health centers.

• 46 percent of companies allow or plan to allow employee’s children to use health centers.

• Employers believe that nearly 75 percent of senior management are highly supportive of onsite health centers.

• 53 percent of employers believe that employees are very satisfied with the level of their health center.

• 58 percent of companies say employees are very satisfied with the quality of services offered at their health center.

“It’s highly encouraging that employers continue to realize the benefit of bringing wellness directly to employees, especially through onsite health centers,” says Anthony Slater, director of performance at Core Performance. “In order for these centers to thrive and make the most impact, companies need to direct their focus away from making healthy employees healthier and instead target non-movers [that is, folks who don’t regularly visit or engage with the fitness center and exercise less than 150 minutes a week]. Non-movers are most at-risk for health issues and contribute the most to higher healthcare costs.”