The economic impact of corporate wellness programs: past and future considerations.

1. A primary goal of health promotion is to motivate individuals to make positive life-style changes. 2. Health promotion is multifaceted and each company must select the most appropriate method(s) of intervention for their employees. 3. In any company, a successful health promotion program requires an advocate or champion who functions as the initiator and leader for program development. Employee involvement, from inception to ongoing development of all programs, is also necessary for success. 4. To positively impact health care costs, health promotion programs should be well planned, well timed, and appropriately marketed. Needs of all workers (i.e., blue collar, minorities) should be considered.