Some companies promote wellness despite hard economic times

At a time when companies are laying off workers and cutting benefits, some local businesses are taking a different approach during the economic downturn. Rather than cutting benefits, some businesses are investing in keeping their employees happy and healthy.

Corporate wellness initiatives have picked up steam, especially among larger employers, over the past 15 years, said Myrna Harris, chief executive officer of Crescent PPO, a regional provider-sponsored health care network whose members include large employers that fund their own health care plans.

Many small businesses have the misconception that wellness programs cost a lot of money or need special resources they can't provide, like a wellness coordinator. Worksite wellness programs can be as simple as having healthy food at meetings or joining free programs in the community that promote wellness.