Do Healthier Workers Create A Better Workplace?

By George Means


Most of us work because we have to make a living somehow. We all have different jobs. Some of us work indoors; some of us work out of doors. Almost everyone works the normal office hours. Then there are daytime jobs and also nighttime. Irrespective of the job conditions and timing it is an accepted fact that the health of the employee is very important factor.

The big question arises, is it cost effective?

An example is the multinational Amway, which employs 3900 people. According to this company it gets back two dollars for every dollar spent on employee's health. How do they justify that? Most employees who have participated in their wellness plan have lowered their medical and drug claims by eight percent. Many of them become slimmer and fitter. There are many success stories of employees who lose over 50 lbs, like a woman who lost 80 in 2 years. She has more energy than ever and that definitely translates to a quality work atmosphere for both her and the company. These programs take time to do their magic, typically 3 to 5 years. They say it takes time for employees to learn new behaviors.

On the reverse side of things, those employees how do not participate in some sort of program to improve their health up their healthy costs by close to 23 percent.

Another company, Flexco, located in Illinois, has established a program to encourage employees to eat better and exercise. Most of the cost of the programs are paid for lower premiums. The bottom line is that this program is very effective. They are able to add extra benefits like paying healthcare deductibles which can attract new employees.

As an incentive, the employees earn wellness points when they join this program. Points can be used to buy things or reduce health care costs. This is an important incentive in getting employees to buy in to the program. It also helps that the employee is volunteering to get in the program rather than being forced to get in.

This program can be incorporated in the overall strategy of the firm. This integration helps the company overall. It would help the company to attain its overall business goals, if its employees are willing to stay healthy and active. Furthermore, it also enhances the working atmosphere of the company. One employee was unhappy because he had to get a physical until the doctor discovered a serious problem and was able to correct it before it got worse.

It is evident from all this that it is the it would be definitely beneficial for the company in the long run, if they encourage the employees to stay fit, either on their own, or with the help of the company. Some companies even offer free membership to their employees in fitness centers and health groups. The examples shows that you can significantly lower the bottom line when you have healthier employees. You also get a better work environment.




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