What's holding you back: why should (or shouldn't) employers invest in health promotion programs for their workers?

question we are often asked is: How can I convince my senior management that investing in the health and well-being of workers will save money and produce a positive return on investment (ROI)? If leadership of the organization has already made up its mind that health promotion programs are a waste of time and money, then it is next to impossible to convince them otherwise. If, on the other hand, leaders have not yet made up their minds, and importantly, if they have not been exposed to the body of evidence suggesting that worksite programs have the potential to improve workers’ health and lower company expenses, then there is hope. Below, we offer the main arguments in favor of increased employer investment in health promotion. We emphasize the economic rationale for such investment, rather than arguing that it is the “right thing to do” and a socially responsible way of treating one’s workers. We contend that health promotion programs not only improve worker health and well-being, but also produce bottom line effects.