http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/07/01/force.u.2b.healthy/index.html
Can companies require people to observe healthy living practices? According to this article, the answer is yes and several companies are doing just that. With obesity becoming such a large problem and the cost of health insurance continuing to rise, companies are taking steps to both protect their employees and lower the cost of their insurance. According to the author, about one-third of employers who offer health insurance also have wellness programs that offer free health check-ups among other things to their employees.
This article really caught my eye because the author used a great anecdote from an employee at Intel which is based in nearby Hillsboro, Oregon. She set up the story using the anecdote as a success story for wellness programs at large corporations. She then presented both the pros and cons of the programs which added validity to her piece. She stated that although the programs seem like a great idea, many people believe it is an invasion of privacy for employers to dictate people’s lifestyle choices. Opponents believe that overweight people are being discriminated against in the workplace and wellness programs are a big part of the reason.
In my opinion, wellness programs are a great way to help people fight obesity. The problem has become so widespread in the country and taking steps to curb the problem is a great idea. Also, having more people healthy in the workplace will decrease the cost for health insurance both for the corporation and individuals who must pay for coverage because of the lower liability. Wellness programs seem like a win-win situation for the employer and employee.
Can companies require people to observe healthy living practices? According to this article, the answer is yes and several companies are doing just that. With obesity becoming such a large problem and the cost of health insurance continuing to rise, companies are taking steps to both protect their employees and lower the cost of their insurance. According to the author, about one-third of employers who offer health insurance also have wellness programs that offer free health check-ups among other things to their employees.
This article really caught my eye because the author used a great anecdote from an employee at Intel which is based in nearby Hillsboro, Oregon. She set up the story using the anecdote as a success story for wellness programs at large corporations. She then presented both the pros and cons of the programs which added validity to her piece. She stated that although the programs seem like a great idea, many people believe it is an invasion of privacy for employers to dictate people’s lifestyle choices. Opponents believe that overweight people are being discriminated against in the workplace and wellness programs are a big part of the reason.
In my opinion, wellness programs are a great way to help people fight obesity. The problem has become so widespread in the country and taking steps to curb the problem is a great idea. Also, having more people healthy in the workplace will decrease the cost for health insurance both for the corporation and individuals who must pay for coverage because of the lower liability. Wellness programs seem like a win-win situation for the employer and employee.
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