A meta-analysis of the literature on costs and savings associated with workplace wellness programs found that medical costs fall by $3.27 for every dollar spent on wellness programs and absenteeism costs fall by $2.73 per dollar spent.  The study, published in Health Affairs, notes that additional research is needed to better understand the mechanisms at work and their broader applicability; however, the authors conclude that increased use of employer wellness programs may reduce cost and improve outcomes.

Baicker, K., Cutler, D., & Son, Zirui. (2010). Workplace wellness programs can generate savings. Health Affairs, 29(2), 304-311. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0626 http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/hlthaff.2009.0626

Authors: Katherine Baicker, David Cutler, and Zirui Song.