Provide names of other journalists involved.
none
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
May 2012 for the print magazine. I’m uploading the online version of the article which is archived for members to access indefinitely.
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
This article is about the growth of workplace wellness programs and opportunities for fitness professionals. Through a presentation of expert opinions, factual data, political and economic forces, the case for why workplace wellness will grow and how fitness pros can best position themselves to take advantage of upcoming opportunities is made. The health of Americans is declining to the point that the cost of a chronically ill workforce is forcing executives to look at a variety of methods to manage healthcare costs. Prevention through workplace wellness programs is a positive solution to reach many Americans, improve productivity and workplace morale and impact overall population health.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Journal articles. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Reports. Data from Family and Work Institute. Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust Reports. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports. Tower Watson & National Business Group on Health reports. Wellness Council of America. Other health promotion trade association group reports.
Explain types of human sources used.
Academic experts. Economic experts of workplace wellness and ROI. Insurers. HR personnel in charge of running corporate wellness programs. Executives of workplace wellness provider companies. Employee/er job placement expert for wellness positions. Fitness pros who work in corporations. Executives of wellness company trade associations.
Results:
The health of the American workforce is declining and healthcare costs are rising. This combination of factors requires executives to consider health strategies as a cost of operations. Significant research evidence supports the financial efficacy of workplace wellness programs and what it takes for a program to be successful. Economic and political forces require more prevention efforts to maintain health care costs. Workplace wellness programs are a position solution to improve the overall health of Americans and manage costs.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
N/A
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Interview people from all angles of the process for a comprehensive topic overview.