Quantifying The Relationship Between Corporate Wellness Programs And Employee Health Outcomes In India

Abstract

Despite the growing popularity of corporate wellness programs (CWPs) globally, their effectiveness in developing countries like India remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of a comprehensive CWP on employee health outcomes in a large Indian textile manufacturing company through a randomized controlled trial (RCT).417 employees were randomly assigned to either a treatment group receiving the CWP or a control group with no intervention. The CWP comprised biometric screenings, health risk assessments, health education modules, physical activity programs, smoking cessation support, and disease management interventions. Employee health outcomes (BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, self-reported health) were measured at baseline and after 12 months. Absenteeism, productivity, and medical utilization data were also collected. Causal effects of the CWP were estimated using difference-in-differences and regression analyses.No significant changes in BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, or glucose levels were observed in the treatment group compared to the control. However, participants receiving the CWP reported improved self-reported health and were more likely to have a primary care physician. Notably, the CWP also led to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity, although medical utilization remained unaffected.While the CWP did not significantly impact clinical health markers or healthcare costs, it demonstrated positive effects on employee well-being, health management behaviors, and workplace productivity. These findings offer valuable insights for designing and evaluating future CWPs in developing countries, where tailoring interventions to address specific cultural and healthcare contexts may be crucial for maximizing their effectiveness.