A survey of more than 1,000 employers by United Benefit Advisors, an alliance of 141 U.S. benefit firms, suggests that health and wellness programs are proving valuable, according to a report by Business & Legal Reports (BLR).

“The focus for many employers has clearly shifted to preventing and managing employee health rather than solely cutting benefits and/or increasing employee contributions,” the alliance’s David LoCascio told BLR.

The survey found that the most prevalent cost containment strategies by employers continue to be reducing plan benefits and/or increasing employee premium costs.

However, those responding increasingly believed wellness programs that incorporate individual health-risk assessments and disease-management programs are equally effective at containing costs.