I hear it often: “Prevention, well-being programs… it all sounds nice, but how much does it really cost?”
It’s a fair question. Employers and HR managers are overwhelmed with priorities, and budgets are limited. But as a company leader and prevention advisor, I know from experience that this is not just an expense.
It’s an investment. And like any investment, the real question is: what’s the return on investment?
International organizations such as World Health Organization and EU-OSHA have put numbers on it: on average, every euro invested in workplace well-being and safety generates between €2.20 and €2.70 in return. In the US, the Harvard School of Public Health reached similar conclusions: for every dollar invested by large companies in health programs, they saved about $3 in medical costs and another $2 to $3 through reduced absenteeism. These are not vague theories, but solid data from thousands of employees.
In the US, Harvard School of Public Health the Harvard School of Public Health reached similar conclusions: for every dollar invested by large companies in health programs, they saved about $3 in medical costs and another $2 to $3 through reduced absenteeism. These are not vague theories, but solid data from thousands of employees.
What does it deliver in practice?
The first benefit is absenteeism. An employee who doesn’t drop out due to stress, a back injury, or burnout continues to create value. Think of the true cost of long-term absence: salary continuation, replacements, productivity loss, stalled expertise. If a good program can prevent even 10% of this absenteeism, the investment is usually already paid back.
Then there’s presenteeism: employees who are physically present but not functioning at 100% due to physical or mental health issues. A study by the RAND Corporation showed this often costs companies even more than absenteeism. A strong prevention policy not only boosts attendance but also enhances real productivity.
And then come the additional benefits: lower turnover, higher employee satisfaction, and a stronger employer brand. In today’s tight labor market, that’s not a luxury – it’s a competitive advantage. In een krappe arbeidsmarkt is dat geen luxe, maar een troef.
A concrete example
Let’s make it tangible. A mid-sized company with 500 employees decided to implement a mental health program: coaching, workshops, access to counseling. Annual cost: around €150,000.
What happened? The number of burnouts dropped significantly, long-term absenteeism decreased, and staff turnover went down. The estimated savings amounted to about €361.500. In other words: for every euro invested, €2.41 was returned. That’s not just a feeling – that’s hard data.
In other words: for every euro invested, €2.41 was returned. That’s not just a feeling – that’s hard data.
More than numbers
But I want to think further.
Prevention is about more than financial ROI It’s also about human ROI. Managers who see their teams become stronger. Employees who come to work with more energy and fewer worries. Ultimately, that translates directly into productivity and profitability.
Why we think along with you.
At Kingsm3n, we believe prevention is not a standard package. Every organization has its own challenges and budget constraints. That’s where we add value: we help identify which measures will have the biggest impact for your company. We work with you to set priorities, keep budgets under control, and make sure well-being isn’t just an abstract idea but a concrete, actionable plan
Want to know which preventive measures bring the highest return for your company?
We make it tangible, evidence-based, and feasible. Let’s explore how investing in well-being today can deliver tomorrow’s results
Michaël Marbais
Entrepreneur and Level 1 Prevention advisor.
As managing partner of Kingsm3n and Ken Do It, he helps companies turn safety, security, leadership, and people-centred policies into concrete action – in every routine and every crisis.
Sources & studies
- EU-OSHA: The business case for safety and health at work https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/business-case-safety-and-health-work-costs-and-benefits-preventing-work-related-illness-and-injury
- Harvard School of Public Health: Workplace wellness programs can generate savings https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/workplace-wellness-savings/
- RAND Corporation: Workplace Wellness Programs Study https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR254.html
- WHO: Workplace health promotion and productivity https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/enhanced-wellbeing/workplace-health
