HERO Research

HERO Research Study: Health habits tied to absenteeism and job performance 

Following are articles and studies HERO members have contributed to the knowledge base for employee health management:

“Overall Well-being as a Predictor of Health Care, Productivity, and Retention Outcomes in a Large Employer”, Lindsay Sears, PhD, Yuyan Shi, PhD, Carter Coberley, PhD, James Pope, MD.  Published in Population Health Management, March, 2013. This study, a first of its kind longitudinal study, looks at well-being at a Fortune 500 company and found that the employees’ self-reported overall well-being predicts future retention, productivity and healthcare costs and that improvements to employee well-being are linked to improvements in these outcomes.

“Money Talks When It Comes to Losing Weight Mayo Clinic Study Finds”, Steven Driver, MD. This study, presented at the Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology on March 9^th, reported the findings of a study of 100 adult Mayo employees or their dependents that had BMI of 30 who were given a goal to lose 4 pounds per month over a one year period. Part of the group was given financial incentives to lose weight, while the other members were not. Dr. Driver’s message is this study indicates that “financial incentives can improve results and improve compliance and adherence”.

“A Role for Private Industry/ Comments on the Johnson & Johnson’s Wellness Program”, Fikry Isaac, MD, MPH. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2013; 44 (ISI): S30-33. This commentary highlights the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson employee wellness program in a summary case study format. Referenced is a 2009 study of the program indicating that employees who felt that having an employer with a strong culture of health were three times more likely to take action related to their health.

HERO Members- HERO Annual Research Meeting Announced 

HERO members will gather in Minneapolis on July 17th for a day-long meeting to discuss the latest finding in research in the field and identify research that is of high priority to employers as they strive to help improve the health of their workforce.

The HERO Research Agenda will be reviewed for updating based on what is happening in the marketplace. An updated agenda will then be produced and released on the HERO website this fall. We hope to see you there. 

A Call to Join HERO Research Partners 

Your organization is invited to join this prestigious group of organizations that have come together to provide funding for important HERO research projects.

Alere     Bravo Wellness     Eastman Chemical Company      HealthFitness 

Healthways     Kaiser Permanente      Plus One Health Management     

Prudential Financial       Staywell Health Management      

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Contact jerry.noyce@the-heo.org for information. 

If your company is interested in learning more about our work, please contact jerry.noyce@the-hero.org