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

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the possible association between health and wellness initiative (HWI) participation and illness related absenteeism (IRA) and turnover overtime. 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. The percent increase when comparing 2016 and 2019 IRA is lower for participants (15.8%) than nonparticipants (50.0%, P > 0.001). The results also show that participating in the HWI in 2016 is associated with lower odds of subsequent turnover (odds ratio = 0.90). Employers may consider implementing a comprehensive health and wellness program as part of their strategy to assist in lower IRA increases and turnover overtime.