Wisconsin Government Introduces Wellness Grants for Small Employers

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently announced a new grant for small employers in the state of Wisconsin. The grants are being offered to small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time workers and will pay for up to 30 percent of their expenses for worker wellness programs.

Benefits of offering wellness programs

According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, 90 percent of employers offer wellness programs to their employees. Why? Because employees who take care of their health tend to stay healthier, and this controls health care costs for the company. In addition, healthy employees are more productive and miss fewer days of work. It's a win/win for both employers and employees.

How small businesses can qualify

The grant is structured as a reimbursement on up to 30 percent of the cost of wellness programs. To qualify for the grant, an employer's workplace wellness program must include a health risk assessment, biometric screening, and at least one program for chronic disease management, weight management, stress management, injury prevention or education on nutrition.

Look for more information on how to apply for the new grant, soon to be posted on www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/