VALUE ON INVESTMENT (VOI)
At the University of Iowa, health management programs are guided by a Value on Investment (VOI) approach—one that prioritizes not only financial outcomes but also measurable gains in organizational support, employee health, satisfaction, and participation. By aligning wellness initiatives with improvements in productivity and performance, we demonstrate a meaningful and strategic commitment to supporting our people and fostering a thriving campus community.
87.2% of employees reported that their supervisors support health and well-being.
80.4% said their physical work environments support healthy choices.
Campus Strategy
Holistic Well-Being included with the University of Iowa’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan reinforces wellbeing as a driver of institutional performance.
The Well-Being and Mental Health Campus Collaborative (WBMHCC) is embedding wellbeing into all aspects of campus culture, with subcommittees focused on environment, basic needs, peer support, evaluation, and communication.
52.6% of employees reported being in the “thriving” category per the 2024 Personal Health Assessment (PHA), indicating fewer health problems and more positive emotions.
$4,552
Chronic condition prevention programs, such as the CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Program, are estimated to reduce medical spending by $4,552 per participant over two years.
2,844,299
Total minutes of physical activity logged in the 2025 Live Healthy Iowa, by 1,233 UI Employees. Increased steps reduces risk of chronic disease.
95%
said their well-being improved after using liveWELL services
95% of EAP participants would recommend EAP to a friend.
91% of Health Coach participants are still practicing their healthy behaviors 6 months later.
The responsive design of well-being strategies contributes to high satisfaction and engagement leading to employee retention.
10,089
employees completed the PHA in 2024 (48% participation rate), with a goal to reach 50%.
17,933
total program/service participants in FY24, representing 12,589 unique faculty and staff.
1 in 2
faculty and staff at the University of Iowa engaged with liveWELL services in FY25
Greater participation in liveWELL programs amplifies their positive impact, fostering a healthier, more connected, and resilient campus community.
$224,826
Internal Employee Assistance Program saved $224,826 compared to outsourcing.
$2.5 million
Estimated $2.5 million in annual cost avoidance from reduced sick leave used among healthy employees.
2.17:1 ROI
Wondr Health digital platform has yielded a 2.17:1 ROI since 2020.
Cost containment drives sustainable well-being outcomes by maximizing value and minimizing unnecessary spend.
34 less hours
In CY24 low risk employees used 32 hours of sick leave compared to 66 hours for high-risk employees
12,081 Flu vaccines distributed in FY25 through the UI Employee Health Clinic to Campus 140 Wellness Ambassadors across 32 colleges and orgs support local population health. Reduction in absenteeism translates to significant productivity gains and cost savings, while local health efforts supports engagement and presenteeism at work.