Ohio State is flexing its progressive muscles again. First, the university eliminated trans fats in cafeterias and restaurants. Now, in an endeavor to encourage better employee health and cut future health care costs, OSU has decided that its employees need to get into shape. To keep them running on the treadmill, OSU is offering a cash incentive. Employees can earn up to $125 if they meet the goals of programs such as attending exercise classes or quitting smoking, which OSU hopes will benefit them financially in the long term.
This program makes sense as a business maneuver. If a similar program is implemented here, Ohio University could save money. Health care costs at OU will rise 10 percent in the next year, which is an increase of $2.6 million. The program at OSU is meant to help curtail the expenses caused by employees' unhealthy lifestyles. It has the potential to help turn around bad habits of professors that universities are paying for down the road.
Beyond its use as a cost-saving measure, the OSU health initiative helps promote a healthy working environment. Not only do professors and other employees get in shape, but they will set an example for students as well.
The good news is that OU is in the early stages of exploring for a similar incentive program. Though professors already have access to the WellWorks program ' another fitness initiative ' for $13 a month, very few use it. If the green light is given to this new program, more employees of Ohio University should take advantages of the new incentives it offers.
This program has great potential, and it is good OU is considering implementing something similar. Now it's time to move from consideration to implementation.
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Incentives for fitness could curtail expenses, promote a healthier working environment
