In follow-up to a previous post about President Obama considering the implementation of a workplace health and wellness program for US federal government employees, a US senator has recently proposed that tax incentives be given to employers who implement comprehensive wellness programs.

If this is being considered in the US, then surely it is a consideration for the Australian government as well. Unhealthy employees are a much greater burden on the health care system than their healthier colleagues. If employers are encouraged to assist employees improve their health, then not only will it be of benefit for the company, but the government will also get an cost saving.

However, there are several issues associated with such a plan. One of the main ones being, what would actually be considered a workplace wellness program? Is gym membership enough? Or what about fruit being delivered to work? While such activities may be considered workplace wellness initiatives, by themselves they are not enough to improve the health of the workforce.

I am sure many debates around this topic will continue in the years to come. I look forward to seeing the outcome.