Why Investing in Employee Health is a Merciful Act
As an employer, you may be wondering why you should invest in employee health. After all, isn’t it their responsibility to take care of themselves? But the reality is that employee health is an important aspect of a company’s success. Not only does it ensure a healthy and productive workforce, but it also makes good business sense. In this article, we explore the reasons why investing in your employees’ health is a merciful act.
The Cost of Poor Employee Health
Poor employee health comes at a cost. It can lead to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism and presenteeism rates, increased healthcare costs, and a negative workplace culture. In fact, the World Economic Forum estimates that non-communicable diseases alone will cost the global economy $47 trillion by 2030, with the cost of lost productivity being the largest share of that cost.
The Benefits of Investing in Employee Health
Investing in employee health has numerous benefits, both for the employee and the company. For the employee, it leads to a better quality of life, improved morale, and a sense of value and appreciation from their employer. For the company, it leads to increased productivity, decreased absenteeism and presenteeism rates, lower healthcare costs, and a positive workplace culture.
Moreover, investing in employee health can also lead to increased employee loyalty and engagement. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term and go the extra mile. This can result in a lower turnover rate, which saves the company time and money.
The Role of Employers in Employee Health
As an employer, you have a responsibility to create a healthy workplace environment. This means providing access to healthy food options, promoting physical activity, and offering wellness programs. It also means promoting mental health and providing resources for employees who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
Creating a healthy workplace environment doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple changes, such as offering walking meetings or providing healthy snacks, can make a big difference in employees’ health and wellbeing.
Real-Life Examples
There are numerous companies that have benefited from investing in employee health. Take Johnson & Johnson, for example. The company’s wellness program, which includes health coaching, weight management, and stress reduction programs, saved the company $250 million in healthcare costs over a decade.
Another example is Google, which offers a wellness program that includes mindfulness classes, massage therapy, and healthy food options. The company has seen a 50% decrease in healthcare costs since implementing the program.
Conclusion
Investing in employee health is a merciful act that benefits both the employee and the company. Poor employee health comes at a cost, but investing in employee health leads to increased productivity, decreased healthcare costs, and a positive workplace culture. As an employer, you have a responsibility to create a healthy workplace environment and provide resources for employees to maintain their health and wellbeing. By doing so, you are making a valuable investment in your employees and your company’s success.
