Nearly 9 Out Of 10 Companies Now Implement A Corporate Wellness Program, According To New GlobalFit Survey

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/29/11 -- Companies across the United States are initiating and adopting workplace wellness programs at a higher rate than ever before, according to a new survey released today by GlobalFit, one of the nation's leading provider of healthy living programs. Driven by a desire to reduce healthcare costs and increase employee engagement within the workplace, GlobalFit found that 86 percent of all survey respondents have implemented and currently execute a company wellness program.

The survey of 2,000 U.S. companies ranging in size from 500 to 10,000 employees also found that of those companies with an active, structured workplace wellness program, 31 percent had implemented such to reduce overall healthcare costs while another 30 percent sought to increase employee engagement. More, nearly 68 percent of respondents reported rewarding employees for completing a Health Risk Assessment and 62 percent provided incentives, such as additional vacation, for employees to make health conscious decisions.

"Creating a culture of health in the workplace is proven to increase productivity, lessen absenteeism and lower healthcare costs," says Frank Napolitano, CEO of GlobalFit. "With obesity, diabetes and other health issues challenging the marketplace, our survey provides insight into the decision-making that drives a growing investment in employee health through upstream wellness programs."

Other key findings in the GlobalFit survey include: 46.6 percent of respondents communicated issues of wellness to their employees on a monthly basis. 56 percent of those employers surveyed offer a walking program as a formal employee exercise program. More than 61 percent of respondents followed an annual wellness calendar.

To learn more about GlobalFit, its national survey results and its robust wellness offerings, visit: www.globalfit.com.

ABOUT GLOBALFIT With 70 million eligible employees/insured persons in North America, GlobalFit is the leading provider of healthy living programs. Since 1992, GlobalFit has been known for its network of gyms, but today its signature offering is Destination: You, a corporate program helping employees build healthier lifestyles. GlobalFit provides convenient, affordable options in its Virtual Nutrition Coach and "Healthy Changes," which is a menu of one-on-one health programs.

CONTACT: Karyn Pless Director of Marketing GlobalFit [e-mail] Lauren Moyer Brian Public Relations Cellular: [phone] [e-mail]

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