September Preventive Health Resources: ROI Proof, Engagement Trends & A Must-Listen Podcast

This month’s roundup brings together three must-have resources: the hard ROI case for preventative health, fresh global engagement data, and a short podcast connecting healthy employees to recruiting and retention.

1. The ROI Case For Preventative Health

Preventative health programs are often seen as “nice extras.” But research shows they’re a strategic imperative when designed and integrated well.

Harvard Business Review: “What’s the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs?”

• Johnson & Johnson saved an estimated $250 million over a decade, achieving a $2.71 return per $1 spent.
• A randomized employer study found 57% of high-risk employees moved to low-risk status within six months, with $6 in health care savings per $1 invested.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center cut lost work days by 80% and workers’ comp premiums by 50% after aligning injury care with wellness.
• SAS Institute’s onsite health services generated $1.41 in savings per $1 spent in a single year, not even counting time saved from employees avoiding off-site appointments.

The Takeaway? Wellness programs work when they’re strategic, leadership-backed, accessible, and measured. They deliver cost savings, productivity gains, and stronger cultures.

Read the full HBR article

2. Engagement Is Slipping, and Managers Hold the Key

Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2025 report shows engagement is in decline, with worrying implications for productivity.

Key findings:

• Global employee engagement dropped to 21% in 2024 — only the second decline in the past 12 years.
• Manager engagement fell to 27%, down three points, dragging overall engagement down with it.
• The cost of disengagement? $438 billion in lost productivity worldwide.
• Only 33% of employees say they are thriving overall.

The Takeaway: Engaged managers are the biggest lever. Gallup estimates 70% of team engagement is attributable to the manager. Improving manager wellbeing, clarity, and coaching skills is central to reversing the trend.

Read Gallup’s 2025 report

3. Listen While You Walk: Recruiting Future Podcast

Recruiting Future with Matt Alder – Ep. 633: The Strategic Importance of Wellbeing In this 20-minute conversation with expert Luke Bullen, you’ll hear:

• Board-level priority: Wellbeing has matured from perk to strategy, directly shaping talent attraction, productivity, and retention.
• ROI is real: Most employers tracking outcomes report positive returns; many see ~2:1 or better when programs reduce barriers and drive adoption.
• First, do no harm: Audit work practices (always-on meetings, inflexible hours) that undercut employee wellbeing.
• Be a catalyst, not a dictator: Reduce friction (cost, choice, flexibility) and empower employees to personalize fitness, mental health, sleep, and nutrition.
• Small steps win: Flexible work norms, manager training, and nudges outperform one-off “wellness events.”
• What’s next: More holistic programs improve uptake and outcomes.

Listen to the podcast

Final Thought

Wellness isn’t just about saving costs. It’s about creating workplaces where people want to stay, grow, and contribute.

If you’d like to discuss how to utilise preventive health programs as a strategic business advantage, contact Mike Bux today.