A recent Centers for Disease Control case study recognized Austin, Texas-based Capital Metro's Wellness Program for its positive effect on employees and significant return on investment.

Since implementing the Wellness Program in 2003, Capital Metro has saved $2.43 for every $1 spent on the program, employee absenteeism has dropped 25 percent since 2003 and its annual incurred health care costs have dropped nearly four percent since 2006.

The program focuses on reducing employees' risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other conditions by providing a wide range of health-conscious programs, including two 24-hour fitness centers, certified personal trainers and wellness coach on staff, tri-FIT full body assessments to establish employees' fitness goals and track progress, an on-site dietician to help employees and families make healthy food choices, smoking cessation classes and more.

Since 2005, Capital Metro employees have received more than $39,000 in cash incentives for success in losing weight, quitting smoking and participating in other Wellness Program initiatives. The program is administered under contract by Health & Lifestyles of Austin.