The Facts In the United States, over 6.7 million people are employed by public school systems: –3.5 million teachers, and –3.2 million other employees.

The FactsThe Facts

• In the United States, over 6.7 million people are employed by public school systems: – 3.5 million teachers, and

– 3.2 million other employees.

• These employees have one of the nation’s most critical functions—preparing our youth to become successful and productive citizens.

A Valuable AssetA Valuable Asset

School districts put a valuable asset of the nation’s schools at risk when they ignore the

health of their employees.

WHY? BECAUSE…• Actions and conditions that affect employee health also

influence students’ health and learning• Protecting the physical and mental health of school

employees is integral to protecting the health of students and ensuring their academic success.

Did You Know?Did You Know?

• Two-thirds of all deaths in U.S. can be attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Preventable risk factors for these causes of death include: tobacco use, poor eating habits, inadequate physical activity, and overweight.

• Mental illnesses cost the U.S. about $79 billion in 1990, with $63 billion attributed to loss of productivity.

• The U.S. spent $2.0 trillion on health care, or $6,697 per person in 2005. By 2015, health care spending is projected to reach $4.0 trillion.

• Since 2000, employment-based health insurance premiums have increased by 87%.

Why Implement Employee Why Implement Employee Wellness Programs?Wellness Programs?

Employee Wellness Programs:• Promote the health and reduce health risk

behaviors of employees.• Identify and correct conditions in the

workplace that– compromise the health of school employees,– reduce school employees’ levels of productivity,– impede student success, and – contribute to escalating health care costs.

What Research About What Research About Wellness Programs Tell UsWellness Programs Tell Us

• Health care cost per person decrease about $153 with every decrease in the number of risk factors, and increase about $350 with every increase in the number of risk factors.

• For every $1 spent on wellness programs, an average of $3.50 is saved.

• Employees who participate in programs have lower absenteeism.

• Worksites benefit financially from Employee Wellness Programs.

More Specific BenefitsMore Specific Benefits

• Lower health care and insurance costs• Increased productivity• Increased employee retention and morale• Fewer work-related injuries• Fewer worker compensation and disability claims• Prospective employees more easily attracted• Image in the community more positive• Employees become healthy role models for

students

A School Employee A School Employee Wellness Success StoryWellness Success Story

Washoe County School District in Reno, offered 11 different employee wellness programs for their staff.

An independent evaluation of the program’s financial impact showed:– A substantial reduction in absenteeism. – For every $1$1 spent, the district saved $16.$16.– Total district savings due to the programs were

$2.5 million$2.5 million in a two-year period.

Introducing the GuideIntroducing the Guide

• Provides information about School Employee Wellness Programs

• Supplies practical tools and resources to support their implementation

• Developed by the Directors of Health Promotion and Education with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Inside the GuideInside the Guide

• Lessons from Employee Wellness Programs in schools and in the business sector,

• Steps to establish a School Employee Wellness Program,

• Tools to help identify the interests and needs of employees,

• Ideas for wellness program activities, and• Potential funding sources.

How to Get the GuideHow to Get the Guide

Go to www.schoolempwell.org to download your FREE copy today!

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