An unhealthy workforce can cost a company thousands of dollars in the form of lost days, low productivity, and more. Employers worldwide are realizing this and turning to ergonomic wellness programs to keep their employees healthy and engaged. This investment in well-being is not only good for the staff, but it’s also good for business. How? Keep reading as we look at the correlation between profitability and employee health and fitness.
Lower Healthcare Costs
For some, uncovering the secrets of a healthy routine with a busy lifestyle is a big challenge. It’s easy to develop less-than-desirable coping mechanisms from a lack of work-life balance, whether it’s drinking, smoking, not making time for exercise, or lack of sleep due to late nights, work-related stress that causes insomnia, or other issues that have negative, long-term effects.
Along with preventable workplace injuries, the above concerns can lead to inevitable medical costs and place a significant financial burden on companies. Therefore, keeping employees healthy by investing in injury prevention programs and educational classes becomes much more cost-efficient and reduces long-term healthcare costs.
For instance, studies show that obese employees miss work more often and incur seven times more medical costs. Employers can help these workers adopt a better lifestyle through workplace wellness programs while lowering healthcare costs. Just a warm-up routine designed by experts for the specific tasks of employees can prepare their bodies for the day. Watch the video below as it explains the science of warming up and how it can benefit employees at work.
Fewer Lost Days
Employees missing work due to sickness or injury is another significant factor that leads to lower productivity and profitability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), absenteeism from work costs businesses $1,685 per employee per year or $225 annually. A good health and fitness strategy can reduce the number of missed days and save thousands of dollars. Reports back this up by showing that for every dollar spent on workplace health programs, absenteeism costs lower by $2.73.
Better Focus
Did you know that employees can lose up to 11 days of productivity at work due to presenteeism? Presenteeism is when the employees are physically at work but not focused or productive. This state can happen due to health conditions, stress, depression, sickness, and more. Stress management and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle can alleviate these issues and lead to better focus and higher profits.
More Productivity
Employees who are overweight and live an unhealthy life feel less energy and motivation at work, which can lead to low productivity. On the other hand, employees who are fit and healthy are more productive. These people are more energized and can put that energy into their work. By performing better, they can improve their company’s performance and profitability. So promoting a culture of wellness at work can increase employee engagement and the overall quality of work.
Boosted Morale
As an employer, when you promote your employees’ well-being by investing in workplace fitness programs, you show them your support and care. This show of support will boost their morale and encourage them to perform better. Incorporating fitness into their routines is also one of the most effective ways by which you can create a work-health balance and keep your staff happy, hence improving the quality of work and profitability.
How to Choose the Best Health and Wellness Program?
When choosing a workplace injury prevention and fitness program for your employees, look into their strategies. A good health program should give you a roadmap of their plans and take a proactive approach. The company you choose must be willing to visit your workplace and interact with your employees to create a plan that addresses their unique needs and challenges. If you choose right, you can expect your profits to skyrocket.
Conclusion
There is no denying the strong correlation between profitability and a fit and healthy workforce. Now employers can take advantage of this correlation and invest in a comprehensive wellness plan to improve their profits and keep their workers happy and healthy.
Aaron Smith is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices. He covers industry developments and helps companies connect with clients. In his free time, Aaron enjoys swimming, swing dancing, and sci-fi novels.
