Wellness programs healing soaring health care costs.

• Position: National - Brief article

A growing number of U.S. workers are participating in company wellness programs to reduce their health-care costs--all at the request of their employers.

A survey by Principal Financial Group and Harris Interactive found that participation in wellness programs organized by employers is at its highest level since the survey began three years ago.

* On-site health screenings increasing to 79% in 2006, up from 68% in 2005

* Company-offered fitness plans increased 60%, compared to 38% in 2005

Not surprisingly, most respondents said staying healthy was their primary motivation, and such wellness programs may help to boost productivity and retention.

Since participating in their employers'...