The difference between a good and a great organisation boils down to the human factor. Many studies have shown that an organisation’s success depends on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of its employees. Today’s high-paced world, with all its pressures and demands, is taking its toll on our health. Modern-day lifestyle diseases are on the rise. These include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and depression, which cost individuals and employers dearly both in terms of productivity and direct medical costs.
Research has found there is a need, more than ever, for wellness interventions in the work place. Employers should be actively and urgently seeking new ways to decrease absenteeism, reduce medical claim costs and improve employee productivity, recruitment and retention. Many employers credit the implementation of corporate fitness programmes with productivity gains in areas such as reduced errors, improved efficiency and improved decision making.
For maximum impact on employee health, a comprehensive wellness programme should focus on:
- Increasing awareness of wellness issues by providing employees with information.
- Supporting health management – personal behaviour changes such as eating healthy and getting enough exercise.
- Promoting a healthy working climate – healthy food in the canteen, stress management and work life balance.
Smaller organisations can make inexpensive changes in the work environment by considering the following:
- Appoint an employee wellness champion from within the organisation and encourage the staff to come up with ideas to make it work. It helps to get everyone involved, from the executive management downwards.
- Invite organisations or speakers to conduct interesting talks and workshops at your facility. Make it fun and let employees know that they are expected to attend.
- Offer flexitime for employees who would like to exercise during lunchtime.
- Give employees information by distributing brochures on relevant topics.
- Add bike racks to the parking area for employees who would like to cycle to work or during lunchtime. Provide showers and a locker room on the premises.
- Encourage employees to register for electronic health newsletters from their medical aid.
- Liaise with your medical aid provider to arrange screening for diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc on site, making it convenient for your employees to get tested and seek the necessary treatment and advice if a problem is identified.
Extract from article in The Citizen – 15 March 2011 – Dr. James Arens