Employee Wellness in Tough Economy (Published in The Guardian of 07/03/2017)

This article is inspired by a number of corporates who have recently opined that they do not have the budget for employee wellness due to current economic trends.   My argument is that not paying attention to employee wellness during such times will actually take a toll on the bottom line. Maintaining a healthy workforce is more critical to business success now than ever before due to rising rates of chronic illnesses resulting in increased absenteeism, loss of productivity and escalating healthcare costs.

During economic hardships, not only are employees more stressed and less productive, but their health starts to suffer as well, since they are at a greater risk for a wide range of chronic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancers and reduced immune response causing the medical costs to escalate.

The good news is that most of these chronic conditions are preventable. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 80% of heart disease and diabetes and 40% of most cancers, are preventable through proper diet, physical activity and tobacco cessation.

Given this and – the reality that workplaces can have a significant influence over the health of their employees – a workplace wellness program is a necessity, rather than a luxury. A 2010 World Economic Forum Report indicated that in organizations perceived as actively promoting health and well-being, 55% of employees reported being engaged, compared with just 7% in organizations that are not perceived as promoting health and wellness.

By continuing to focus on health education, awareness and prevention, wellness programs can certainly help the workforce stay healthy during such times. Contrary to the belief, wellness programs are not expensive, especially when you consider the return on investment in the context of increased employee engagement and productivity and reduced absenteeism and health costs – all of which contribute to business sustainability, especially during economic hardship. Clearly, employers have a vested interest in making sure their workers stay healthy.

Healthy Workplace Cultures

Good health can be fostered and maintained only in a health environment and culture. This means employers should consider prevention and wellness programs and create work environments and cultures that encourage people to live healthy lifestyles. Negative environments can often cause the stress and anxiety that lead to individuals’ health problems in the first place.

A healthy culture is better not only for employees but also for businesses, as it enables them to reduce their healthcare costs and maintain a high level of energy, engagement and happiness amongst employees. What is more, it is good for the economy as a whole. Ultimately, of course, getting healthy and staying that way is the individual’s responsibility. It is up to each person to take charge of his/her own health and make the choices that will promote health and prevent disease. Prevention and wellness programs can play a role in increasing awareness and educating employees on developing long-term healthy habits. This culture can and should start in the workplace.

In the end a healthy workforce is the best guarantee against tough economic times. Healthier workforce is a more productive workforce, which produces greater revenue that is sustainable over the long term.

Reply back to bhakti@impactafya.com or call +255 754 694 643 with your feedback. We welcome your suggestions for corporate wellness issues you’d like to see covered in our future columns.

Bhakti Shah, MPH is the Founder and Managing Director of ImpactAfya Ltd, collaborating with Workplace Options and Mayo Clinic, USA to provide Corporate Wellness and EAP Solutions in East Africa. Bhakti is also the Past President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Tanzania and the Chair for Health Concerns for Rotary District 9211.

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