Employee wellness programs have grown in popularity in recent years. One challenge is to determine which programs are most effective and most beneficial to specific employees.
Johnson & Johnson takes an evidence-based view of wellness and health, using the following approach:
1. Assess factors that might influence a person’s health behavior (e.g., smoking, exercise). This happens through an annual employee survey.
2. Apply evidence-based science on behavior change to improve that health behavior.
3. Measure the impact of programs.
4. Use data analytics to measure program effectiveness and to gain insights about potential improvements to the process.
Another key component is that Johnson & Johnson promotes a culture of health for all workers, from the manufacturing floor to the boardroom. The program is multifaceted, including a range of factors such as making healthy foods available on site, encouraging workers to get up from their desks, and making exercise available to workers.
Does Johnson & Johnson’s wellness program work? As reported by the company, the general answer is yes. Smoking has decreased among Johnson & Johnson’s employees. Heart disease and hypertension among its employees are lower than national U.S. standards. Health care costs have gone down per employee per year. But Johnson & Johnson does not focus just on medical cost savings. Rather, the company sees wellness as a factor supporting employee and company performance more broadly. In short, Johnson & Johnson reports that its wellness program has resulted in a good return on investment, is linked to company market performance, and has improved employee health outcomes.

Johnson & Johnson, the U.S.-based multinational focused on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, is a recognized leader in the area of employee wellness.

Case Discussion Questions 

1. What responsibility does an employer have for their employees’ health and well-being? Explain the reasons for your answer.
2. Choose one type of job or profession. What do you think are the main sources of work stress for these employees? How would you address these sources of employee stress?
3. What do you think is the relationship among employee safety, stress, and health? Give examples of how these might be related.