In a recent survey by the National Business Group on Health, many large U.S. employers reported that they expected healthcare costs to rise significantly through the remainder of the year.
Almost 66 percent of those large businesses polled stated that they expected increases in worksite benefits. On average, employers expect health insurance costs to increase by 7.2 percent, a rate that would outpace the country’s economic recovery, the source reports.
As a result, many companies report that employee benefit costs will rise for staff members, as more institutions have begun to share cost burdens when it comes to worksite benefits, the source explains.
Benefits consultants looking to curb these rising costs and relieve both staff and business from the financial burdens associated with healthcare may want to amp up their employee wellness programs in response to the increases. Helping employees to quit smoking, eat healthier and exercise with workplace programs could be a good way to combat the benefit debacle, according to Harvard Business Review.
Companies like Johnson & Johnson have long established employee wellness programs that have proven cost-effective. The company estimates that implementing these programs can save up to $225 per employee annually, BusinessWeek reports.
