The Business Case for Preventive Care

April Odom
Aug 18
2 min read

How Clinical Wellness Programs Reduce Costs and Improve Retention

Workplace wellness isn’t just about feel-good perks anymore it’s about measurable impact. From reduced sick days to early detection of chronic illness, the right kind of wellness program can dramatically improve productivity, lower healthcare spending, and help retain your best people. This article breaks down why clinical, preventive care works and how it pays off.

🔍 Part 1: The Real Cost of Ignoring Employee Health

Even when employees show up, poor health quietly impacts:

Productivity
Morale
Turnover
Insurance claims

Did you know?

Chronic conditions cost U.S. employers $36.4 billion/year in lost productivity from missed workdays (CDC).
The average employee costs their company $1,685/year in absenteeism alone (CDC).
Presenteeism (being at work but underperforming due to health issues) costs 2–3x more than absenteeism (Harvard Business Review).

🧬 Part 2: Why Preventive Care Works

Preventive care = early detection + consistent engagement. When employees have access to regular check-ins, screenings, and support before illness becomes a crisis companies see:

✅ Fewer ER visits ✅ Lower claim costs ✅ Improved energy, morale, and productivity

The result?

26% reduction in healthcare costs in programs that include clinical care (Harvard meta-analysis).
38% lower hospital admissions when on-site care is provided (RAND Corporation).
Fewer unplanned absences, fewer long-term leaves, and fewer turnover exits.

⚕️ Part 3: Why Clinical-Led Wellness Outperforms Traditional Programs

Typical “wellness perks” (apps, posters, one-time events) fail because they:

Don’t offer personalized, professional care
Aren’t consistent or accessible
Can’t identify red flags early and are not looking for them

What works instead:

Monthly on-site or virtual Nurse Practitioner-led clinic days
Preventive screenings (BP, glucose, BMI, cholesterol)
Access to primary, urgent and mental health services
Weight management and vitamin injections
1:1 care sessions that build trust

When care is trusted, personalized, and convenient, engagement goes up—and cost goes down.

📈 Part 4: How This Improves Retention

Employees stay where they feel seen, supported, and cared for.

Retention stats that matter:

61% of employees say they’re more likely to stay with a company that supports their health and well-being. (Aflac Workforces Report).
Companies with wellness cultures report 28% higher retention (UnitedHealthcare).
Organizations with embedded wellness report improved team morale and reduced turnover in leadership.

🗣️ “Our employees finally feel like we’re investing in their health—not just managing their work.”

Want to See What This Could Look Like for Your Company?

I offer a complimentary Health & Productivity Audit for employers with 10+ employees including a free review. In 30 minutes, we’ll:

Identify hidden cost drivers
Spot gaps in employee health support
Outline opportunities to reduce turnover and sick days

Click here to request your complimentary Health & Productivity audit or email me directly at info@physicalsplus.net

About the Author

Dr. April J. Odom, is a Doctoral-Prepared Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, wellness strategist, and founder of Physicals Plus, Inc. She helps organizations reduce healthcare costs, improve morale, and retain talent through embedded, clinician-led wellness solutions that reduce burnout, improve retention, and support healthier, more productive teams.