Small business employee wellness programs are important. Employees missing work from illness are estimated to cost about $3,600 per year for each hourly worker and $2,660 for salaried workers, according to “Absenteeism: The Bottom-Line Killer” by Circadian. Indirect costs include the possibility of low-quality goods and services due to overtime fatigue or understaffing. Additional costs include manager time, safety issues, reduced productivity and lower worker morale for having to cover for missing employees.
These are a few reasons Professional Wellness Month in June notes the importance of employee wellness. Employee wellness has a role in driving business success, attracting top talent and retaining employees.
Where to Find Employee Wellness Help for Small Businesses
Small businesses generally focus on business before employee wellness. This includes keeping the lights on, shifts staffed and managing rising expenses. This can sometimes make employee wellness goals difficult to reach.
Even with the best employer-supported health insurance, another challenge to employee wellness can be access to health services. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration designates nearly all of Southwest Florida as a “Medically Underserved Area.” This means that there are too few primary care providers for the growing population. Access to primary care is critical because of its role in prevention, chronic disease management and as an overall entry point to the health care system.
Healthcare Network is the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Collier County. As a result, we provide the same high-quality primary care to all area residents, regardless of insurance or job status. Healthcare Network accepts most private and public health insurances. We also offer qualified patients a sliding scale for fees based on family size and income.
Employee Wellness: Mental Health
Indeed.com notes that one critical component of employee wellness is the availability of mental health services. However, Florida is ranked 49th in the nation for access to mental health care, according to Mental Health America.
Healthcare Network offers mental and behavioral health screening and consultation as part of primary care. When additional mental and behavioral treatment is needed, the new Center for Psychology and Wellness at Nichols Community Health Center is available. The center offers behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors in person or via telehealth. Services are offered in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, without a physician referral. In addition, Healthcare Network offers dental care for children and adults, with or without dental insurance. This is a benefit that is often difficult for small businesses to provide.
Employee Wellness Benefits Everyone
When the community is healthy, everyone benefits. Fewer employees call out sick. Children do not miss as many days of school. Learning is not impaired by unmet health needs. Healthy workers spend money in their communities and consumer demand results in more jobs.
About the Author
Jamie Ulmer is President and CEO of Healthcare Network. For information or an appointment, click here.
