Businesses that want to keep their employees longer should consider employer-sponsored wellness programs, according to the Principal Financial Well-Being Index released today.

The survey of American workers at growing businesses with 10 to 1,000 employees found that 45 percent of respondents said they would stay at their jobs longer if their company offered employer-sponsored wellness programs.

“Wellness programs are clearly a win-win, especially at a time when employers and their employees are more budget-conscious,” said Lee Dukes, president of Principal Wellness Co., a subsidiary of Principal Financial Group Inc., in a release. “Employers benefit by retaining top talent, energizing their employees and reducing the number of sick days. Employees benefit from improved physical health, reduced stress in the workplace and the financial benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”

The survey also found that 40 percent of employees said they would work harder and perform better as a result of workplace wellness programs, while 26 percent miss fewer days of work by participating in the programs. Nearly half – 47 percent – of employees said they would participate or do participate in the programs to achieve better overall physical health.

Wellness programs that improve physical fitness are at the top of employee wish lists; 27 percent said they would like in-office fitness facilities, 23 percent wished for fitness center discounts and 19 percent expressed interest in weight management programs.

More workers, 34 percent, expected health insurance options to change in 2010, up from only 23 percent in 2009, the survey found.