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The multiple health promotion programs provided in the United States for the employees of a major office equipment manufacturer and the effect they are believed to have not only on cost containment but also on employee self-image, job satisfaction, company loyalty, morale and productivity are described. Specific attention is given to worksite and leisure-time physical fitness programs, their origin and evolution. Also described in some detail are several health education projects, life style and behavior modification efforts and the employee assistance program, as well as health appraisal and health maintenance medical examinations. The relationship of these health promotion programs to more traditional employee benefits programs is explored.

A 14-week study was undertaken to determine the effects of a structured employee exercise program on blood lipid profiles and selected physiological and psychological parameters. Specific analyses dealt with the effects of exercise on total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoproteins, total triglycerides, trait anxiety, self-concept, oxygen uptake, weight, body fat percentage and resting heart rate and blood pressure. Subjects were 73 male and female employees of the Xerox Corporation joining a newly developed health fitness program. For the duration of the study they exercises as often as they chose using activities such as running and cycling to raise heart rates to a target level for 20-minute sessions. At the conclusion of the study, subjects were grouped by frequency of exercise to determine overall effects of the program and possible intergroup variations. Significant improvements overall were found in self-concept (physical, personal and social), trait anxiety, resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure, total triglycerides and total cholesterol. Significant improvements overall and differences among the attendance groups were found in absolute and relative predicted maximum oxygen uptake. These improvements related directly to frequency of exercise.