Did you know that 60% of employers say implementing workplace wellness programs reduced their organization’s healthcare costs? Well-designed and implemented wellness programs help companies see a return of $3 for every $1.5 invested. In a survey conducted in 2020, 53% of small firms and 81% of large companies offered wellness programs of some kind.

The increased conversation on bringing wellness into the workplace, like onsite clinics, is hard to ignore, and sifting through what is fact or false may be difficult. Before shying away from the conversation, keep reading to debunk some of the common myths you might hear.

Myth 1: Onsite clinics are only for large companies. 

The most common myth and roadblock most companies face when considering wellness solutions is that their company is deemed not big enough for onsite health care. In reality, there are clinic vendors that can make onsite health centers customizable for your company size. Part-time clinics are a cost-effective way to bring healthcare to the workplace, without the expense of a full-time staff. Part-time clinics save money by ensuring that employers are only paying for what their employees are using. 

Onsite clinics are not just for large companies. They can serve as little as 100 employees or up to 10,000 employees depending on the capabilities the employer wants. Don’t be deterred away from implementing onsite health centers because of the size of your company. A part-time, full-time, near-site or onsite clinic are all possibilities for your company. If you find the right partner, your onsite clinic will be a success. 

Myth 2: Onsite clinics are expensive. 

Onsite clinics aren’t always a massive business expenditure and implementing a clinic that is affordable for your population is very feasible. Clinics save you money and benefit your employees. In the long term, investing in an onsite healthcare program sees returns of $3 for every $1.5 spent. A recent study by the CDC shows onsite clinic usage impacts reductions in weight, blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol, saving employers between $83 to $103 annually, per person. 

Depending on the size of your company, you may not need a full-time clinic. As mentioned before, part-time clinics are a cost-efficient way to bring health care to the worksite. Have a room that’s 100 square feet big? Clinics don’t need a completely new build-out and require minimal set-up and supplies. 

The return value of preventative care and catching chronic diseases or identifying risks earlier is astronomical. An onsite clinic can catch an undiagnosed diabetic, making a difference of $13,000 per employee per year. They also save on costs such as copays, lost productivity, lab work, physical exams, vaccinations, and more. 

Myth 3: Onsite clinics only offer services for people who are sick. 

Clinics aren’t only for sick or acute care. Full-time onsite clinics replace the expenses of urgent care and emergency room visits, but can also serve ongoing chronic disease management and prevention. At TargetCare, annual screenings are followed by one-on-one visits to help employees understand their health risks and coordinate time for follow-up visits. 

Onsite clinics combined with health coaching provide employees with on one personalized plans to tackle lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic diseases. Coaches and onsite clinic staff can work with participants to manage blood pressure, weight management, stress management, diet, exercise, and more.

Clinics that take a strong approach to preventive care are the most cost-effective way to bring wellness into the workplace.