• Workplace wellness programs can be effective win-wins for employees and companies
• Report shows that pharmaceutical companies drive initiatives that boost health through disease prevention and management, reaching over 1.1 million employees worldwide

IFPMA released Health by the Numbers, a report detailing the 2011 results of the IFPMA Wellness Survey. Through this assessment, IFPMA sought to document the extent to which member companies engage in wellness programs, their scopes, and contributions to employees‟ well-being.

The report also considers the role of workplace wellness programs in addressing non- communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs account for 80% of worldwide deaths and can be reduced through changes to lifestyle behaviors.

“Our companies have long recognized that improving employees‟ health is a win-win: employees live longer, healthier lives and companies perform better,” said Eduardo Pisani, IFPMA Director General. “IFPMA companies drive health initiatives that extend beyond the workplace. As most people spend more waking hours at work than anywhere else, these wellness programs are worthwhile, long-term endeavors.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on the private sector to promote and support healthy workplaces. 1 Health by the Numbers demonstrates how the 20 responding member companies have transformed the workplace into platforms for healthy living, and includes the following key findings:

• 85% focus on preventing or managing NCDs
• 65% were established before 2005
• 85% offer smoking-cessation support
• 50% focus on mental health prevention or support
• 70% conduct impact assessments

Geneva, 25 September 2012

About IFPMA

IFPMA represents the innovative pharmaceutical industry at the international level, engaging in official relations with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Our vision is to ensure that scientific progress translates into the next generation of medicines and vaccines that deliver a healthier future for people everywhere.

To achieve this, we act as a trusted partner, bringing our members' expertise to champion pharmaceutical innovation, drive policy that supports the research, development, and delivery of health technologies, and create sustainable solutions that advance global health.

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Media Contact

Elliot Dunster e.dunster@ifpma.org