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Chronic diseases impose substantial costs on employers through lost productivity, increased healthcare spending, and reduced workforce capacity
Chronic diseases represent the single largest driver of healthcare costs and productivity losses for American employers. The prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic conditionsincluding type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertensioncontinues to increase among the working-age population, directly impacting your organization's bottom line through increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and escalating insurance premiums.
According to CDC research, employees with chronic diseases and health risk factors miss 1-2 additional workdays per year compared to their healthier counterparts (Asay et al., 2016). When examining specific conditions impacting your workforce:
Source: Asay, G. R. B., Roy, K., Lang, J. E., Payne, R. L., & Howard, D. H. (2016). Absenteeism and employer costs associated with chronic diseases and health risk factors in the US workforce. Preventing Chronic Disease, 13, E150503. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2016/15_0503.htm
Low health literacy compounds these challenges by limiting employees' ability to effectively prevent and manage chronic conditions. Research published through the National Institutes of Health demonstrates that health literacy plays an important protective rolenot in preventing initial chronic disease occurrence, but in preventing comorbidities among those already diagnosed with one condition (Xiang et al., 2020).
Employees with adequate health literacy are better equipped to make informed health decisions, understand risk factors, critically evaluate health information, and successfully implement lifestyle modifications. This capacity for informed decision-making becomes essential as employees navigate an environment filled with health misinformation.
Source: Xiang, L., Shen, W., Wu, X., Wang, S., Bai, Y., & Tang, X. (2020). Health literacy and its effect on chronic disease prevention: Evidence from China's data. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 690. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08804-4
Traditional wellness programs often fail because they don't address the root issue: employees lack the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to make lasting health behavior changes. Innova Vita's approach tackles this gap through structured, evidence-based health education that builds both knowledge and health literacyempowering your workforce to prevent chronic disease and manage existing conditions more effectively.
Evidence-based program components designed to reduce chronic disease burden and improve employee health outcomes through systematic knowledge building and practical skill development
Nine structured modules with 80+ bite-sized lessons require no prerequisite health knowledge. Designed specifically for busy work schedules and varying health literacy levels, the curriculum systematically builds understanding from foundational concepts to advanced application. Multi-modal delivery accommodates different learning preferences while enabling employees to progress at their own pace.
Focus education on lifestyle-related diseases that represent the largest productivity and cost burden for employers: type 2 diabetes prevention, cardiovascular disease risk reduction, and hypertension management. Content addresses modifiable risk factorsnutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleepthat employees can directly control to reduce disease incidence and prevent complications in existing conditions.
Pre-engineered AI prompts enable employees to receive customized nutrition advice, exercise programming, and lifestyle modification strategies using their preferred chatbot interface. This scalable personalization supports individual health goals within company wellness initiatives without requiring one-on-one coaching resources. Employees learn both to use provided prompts and create their own detailed health queries.
Comprehensive implementation tools transform knowledge into action: structured worksheets for goal setting and planning, habit tracking systems for monitoring progress, evidence-based frameworks for sustainable behavior change, and progress logs for accountability. These tools bridge the gap between understanding health concepts and successfully implementing lasting lifestyle modifications.
Dedicated training strengthens employees' ability to critically evaluate health claims encountered in media, advertising, and social platforms. Research literacy modules teach employees to distinguish evidence-based information from misinformation, understand study quality indicators, and make informed health decisions. This skill set reduces susceptibility to fad diets, unproven supplements, and misleading health claims that can undermine wellness efforts.
Full program access for the duration of your license with regular content updates reflecting current evidence. Holistic approach encompasses all major lifestyle factorsnutrition science, exercise physiology, sleep optimization, stress management techniques, and behavior change psychologyproviding employees with comprehensive tools for sustained wellness throughout their careers with your organization.
Download our comprehensive white paper detailing how strategic health education addresses the root causes of workplace chronic disease burden. Learn how building health literacy and providing structured learning pathways can transform your organization's wellness outcomes and reduce the substantial costs associated with chronic disease absenteeism and reduced productivity.
Access Corporate Wellness White PaperOur evidence-based employee health education program delivers measurable improvements in workforce health outcomes through structured learning designed to reduce chronic disease burden and associated productivity losses. Developed by adult education professional Chris Bigelow, who brings 14+ years of higher education experience and a Master's degree in Kinesiology to create accessible, actionable health education for workplace settings.
Ready to see the full curriculum in detail? Explore our complete course modules and learning content
Transform your corporate wellness strategy from passive benefit offering to active health education initiative. Equip your workforce with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to prevent chronic disease, reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and lower healthcare costscreating lasting value for both employees and your organization.
Asay, G. R. B., Roy, K., Lang, J. E., Payne, R. L., & Howard, D. H. (2016). Absenteeism and employer costs associated with chronic diseases and health risk factors in the US workforce. Preventing Chronic Disease, 13, E150503. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd13.150503
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Fast facts: Health and economic costs of chronic conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Making the business case for Total Worker Health. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/twh/business-case/index.html
Xiang, L., Shen, W., Wu, X., Wang, S., Bai, Y., & Tang, X. (2020). Health literacy and its effect on chronic disease prevention: Evidence from China's data. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 690. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08804-4
