Forced to Get Fit

Most people are not motivated to get into shape, unless, of course, their employer is doing the motivating. With group premium rates rising astronomically—87 percent since 2000—employers are taking matters into their own hands and finding new ways to lower insurance costs.

According to attorney Gary Mathiason in this article from the Society of Human Resource Management, “A hefty portion of those health-care costs includes preventable illnesses arising from unhealthy habits.” Many employers are incorporating employee wellness initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles, which will result in cheaper health care. These initiatives often include annual health risk assessments for all employees to determine whether or not an individual needs to consult a health coach to form healthier habits.

Promoting good health seems to be a good idea on the surface, but many legal issues come into play when employers incorporate employee wellness initiatives. Read on to find out the pros and cons of implementing a similar system for your own employees.