Wellness Program Participation and its Association with Illness Related Absenteeism and Turnover: One University's Story

Abstract

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Evaluate the possible association between health and wellness initiative (HWI) participation and illness related absenteeism (IRA) and turnover overtime. METHODS The IRA (2016-2019) and turnover (2016-2020) analysis consisted of a time-series design. The IRA analysis used a comparison group with propensity score matching based on select demographics and linear mixed-effects regression modeling. Logistic regression was used to measure the relationship between 2016 participation in the HWI on 2017-2020 turnover. RESULTS The percent increase when comparing 2016 and 2019 IRA is lower for participants (15.8%) than non-participants (50.0%; p > .001). The results also show that participating in the HWI in 2016 is associated with lower odds of subsequent turnover (OR = 0.90). CONCLUSION Employers may consider implementing a comprehensive health and wellness program as part of their strategy to assist in lower IRA increases and turnover overtime.