As the popularity of wellness programs grows, employees see value in healthy activities, but don’t stay committed to them, according to a new survey.

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America survey finds that nearly half of employees who have participated in a wellness program admit that their commitment trails off after just a few years.

The survey also finds that only 35% of employees report that they have access to wellness programs at work. And half of those who believe that they have access at work are currently enrolled in a program.

“With only a third of employees reporting that wellness programs are available at their jobs, employers and the benefits industry have to do a better job of increasing awareness about these programs,” says Tim Bireley, vice-president, group medical, Guardian.

“If most employees at companies large and small were actively participating in wellness programs, we might see a significant decline in the cost of medical care in the United States.”

There were 473 full-time or part-time workers who were over the age of 18 that participated in the survey.

For more about information about creating a workplace health program, click here to check out our Health & Wellness Guide.

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