October 26, 2011

Costs of an Unhealthy Workplace

A manager at a busy office, clients coming in and out, phones ringing, and you look around, but everyone’s out. Your secretary came down with the flu, then passed it around the office and now you’re feeling a little feverish but there’s too much to do.

Employee absences, high group insurance rates, client productivity and income loss, and even employee turnover can occur from such illnesses. Most mid-to-large companies estimate literally billions of dollars lost in indirect illness-related costs; smaller companies lose less money but the impact can be even greater. Illness and general poor health also lead to more work-related injuries which likewise cost companies tremendously.

While there are some elements of a healthy lifestyle that employers can’t control for their employees, the available options to reduce illness and boost productivity are numerous. Promoting a healthy lifestyle through nutritious options for meals, on-site exercise facilities or activities, and stress reduction techniques can boost immune systems while also limiting injuries at work and keeping productivity up.

Healthy employees are happy employees and every employer knows that people who enjoy their jobs are far better at them and are more effective and efficient throughout their workday. Moreover, company perquisites such as these can act as a powerful draw to attract top-notch talent for staff. With long work days and high stress levels, more and more people are looking for a workplace that offers on-site exercise activities or classes and health education programs. Likewise, both employees and clients appreciate and admire companies that clearly are dedicated to the well-being of their staff.

Integrating changes to make your company or work environment healthier can be easy, inexpensive, and fun. Tremendous difference can result from just a few changes such as offering on-site yoga or fitness classes in a vacant conference room after work hours. Then you can watch your employees change before your eyes while your production and service only get better.

No comments: