Wednesday, 7 October 2015

Will Healthier Workers Make For A Better Workplace?

By George Means


Most of us work to live, versus live to work. Everyone has a job situation that is unique. Most spend their days in an office, a few are luck to work outside. Almost everyone works the normal office hours. A few take the night shift. What may people who study these things know for sure is that a healthy person is a better employee.

Does this work?

One huge corporation, Amway, has 3,900 local employees. It saves 2 dollars on costs for every dollar it spends on healthcare prevention. How does this work? One visible result was that the medical claim of the persons who took part in the fitness program went down by 8 percent. Many of them become slimmer and fitter. A lady employee claimed that in 18 months, she reduced 85 pounds. She has more energy than ever and that definitely translates to a quality work atmosphere for both her and the company. Most companies agree that it takes up to three years to realize cost savings from a program that employees undertake. They say it takes time for employees to learn new behaviors.

It is also come to notice that the health expenditure of those employees who do not take part in such fitness program rose up to 23 percent.

Flexco is another firm which has taken the initiative to implement such health oriented program for their employees. Most of the cost of the programs are paid for lower premiums. That definitely affects the bottom line. In addition, the company helps pay the employee deductibles.

One unique aspect of the program is that employees can earn wellness points. With these points, they can reduce their share of the annual health care costs up to $850. This acts as an incentive for the employees to get enrolled in this. Using the carrot versus the stick helps enrollment.

This program can be incorporated in the overall strategy of the firm. This would benefit the company in many ways. It would help the company to attain its overall business goals, if its employees are willing to stay healthy and active. Healthier employees also tend to create a more positive attitude. 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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment