NEW YORK — When it comes to increasing productivity more employers are turning their focus on employee health beyond the workplace.

A Mercer/Marsh Survey on Health, Productivity and Absence Management Programs 2006 finds that health management is one of the most promising cost management strategies available to employers. According to the study among employers of all sizes, 34% offer a few health management programs on a voluntary basis; 15% offer several programs, designed to address needs at all health stages; and 11% offer a comprehensive program. Of those offering such programs, 62% also expect the program to reduce incidental sick leave and disability absences, and 60% expect it will improve overall employee productivity. For 42%, a primary objective is to reduce occupational injuries.

The survey also finds that in general the median total annual budget for such programs is $25,000. In addition, more employers (37%) are combining incidental absence/sick days and vacation days in paid-time-off banks, or PTO plans. These plans are most common among health care organizations (70%) and financial service firms (46%). An additional 2% offer a PTO plan that does not include incidental absence days. Of those not currently offering a PTO plan 21% are planning to implement one or are considering it.