The global survey, conducted by Buck Consultants, consulted more than 600 organizations in 25 countries representing more than 10 million employees. The research was conducted in association with WorldatWork, vielife and Wolf Kirsten International Health Consulting.

The survey found that the fastest-growing components of global wellness initiatives include technology-driven tools, such as Web portals, online programs and personal health records. Other popular elements are: health fairs, healthy vending machine food choices, and workplace health competitions.

The reason for implementing a wellness program vary, with reducing health-care costs being the main goal in the United States; improving productivity in Canada; improving workforce morale in Europe; and reducing employee absence in Asia and Africa.