January 26, 2018 Recent research from Damon Jones and two co-authors exploring the effectiveness of workplace wellness programs has been featured in multiple news outlets. Although organizations spent more than $8 billion in 2016 for programs to reduce employee sick days, encourage healthier lifestyles and cut medical expenditures, Jones and two co-authors found that the impact of these popular workplace wellness programs is negligible. “Ultimately, in the first year of the study, we found only a $1 difference in health spending between the control group and the treatment group. There was no difference in sick leave, there was no difference in salary or job separation. In fact, gym visits were nearly identical between the two groups and there was no real difference in running participation,” Jones noted. Full coverage available at: Chicago Tribune Insurance Journal Bloomberg NPR Marketplace Additional coverage... Faculty Spotlight Damon Jones Associate Professor Damon Jones conducts research at the intersection of three fields within economics. Upcoming Events More events Get to Know Harris! Public Sector Scholarship: A Conversation with Ranjan Daniels Tue., July 15, 2025 | 12:00 PM Civic Leadership Academy 2026 Virtual Information Session Wed., July 16, 2025 | 12:00 PM Bridging Capital and Communities: Integrating Impact Investing, Real Estate Development, and Public Policy Thu., July 17, 2025 | 7:00 PM
February 17, 2025 Assistant Professor Eduardo Montero Explores Results of Chagas Disease Campaign in Brazil in New Working Paper