U.S. hospitals are spending more on health care than other U.S. employers. But their greater investment fails to yield a healthier or better-performing workforce. On the contrary, as Towers Watson research shows, hospital workers report more health conditions and rate their employers relatively poorly on wellness efforts. Moreover, their health issues have a direct impact on patient care and satisfaction.

The costs of poor wellness management are real, but so are the opportunities to address hospital employee concerns, promoting enhanced wellness and lowering costs in an often cash-strapped business sector.