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USA Today ran a terrific collection of pieces on workplace wellness recently, covering topics from strategy to employee engagement to the dangers of sitting.

As Interactive Health CEO Cathy Kenworthy, in a piece titled “Why More Employers Are Investing in Well-Being in 2016,” is quoted: “Employers pay for half of the health care costs in this country. There’s a huge interest employers have in being able to marshal effective, proactive strategies around managing health care costs.”

The story lists reasons for the growth of wellness programs:

• They're proactive, especially when “wellness programs effectively address chronic health issues,”
• Value of care. Ann Leyva Gratz, vice president of human resources for David’s Bridal, is quoted: “We want to develop a culture of wellness, a culture of care.” The piece states that the programs are a “way to reduce costs and invest in the health and happiness of… employees.”
• Awareness: By helping employees become aware of potential health conditions, they have better opportunity to change any behaviors that can promote healthier activities. Said Kristen Treadway, COTA’s vice president of human resources and labor relations: “If we can save one life with this program, it’s positive. We know we’ve done that.”
• Employee Goals: “Employees are getting more familiar with wellness programs and are starting to expect it as part of their compensation.”