For a business to succeed in its endeavors, its employees must be fit and healthy. For great workplace productivity, the health of your employees is the determining factor.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. To live a healthy life, people need to have a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. They must also live in a stress-free environment and have good hygiene.
Creating a work culture that promotes health through all aspects of your employees’ lives has various health benefits. They can be fit, healthy, satisfied, and happy.
Emphasising employee health and wellbeing is very important. It contributes massively to overall employee engagement within the business.
An economist, Mr Tunde Oyediran, said business success and employee wellness go hand-in-hand, saying that in today’s competitive business landscape, job seekers are looking for more than a salary to sustain themselves.
“Their expectations have shifted towards a company’s commitment to employee well-being and health when considering potential employers.”
He added that “encouraging good health among your employees is very important. Doing so will increase productivity to a great extent, and it will help your organisation thrive. Also, the overall well-being of your employees will display on its own.
“The rationale of employee health is to allow employees and organisations to adapt and thrive in adverse situations. It is to foster a positive work environment where employees learn and grow as individuals for the betterment of the company.”
Benefits Of Investing In Employee Health
A healthy workforce is crucial for the success of any organisation. Employers who prioritise the health and well-being of their employees demonstrate a commitment to their staff and reap numerous benefits from doing so.
Attract top talent: The modern workforce is seeking employers that offer more than just a paycheck. Comprehensive health benefits and a robust wellness program differentiate a company from its competitors, attracting talented workers.
Retain employees: Companies prioritising employee well-being can improve retention rates by creating a positive work culture that values and supports its employees.
Boost employee engagement: Eighty-seven per cent of US employees who work for a company with a wellness program are happy and engaged with their job and would recommend it to a friend. When employees are healthy and supported by their employer, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work.
Increase productivity: Stress and poor health can take a toll on performance. Employers can help employees optimise their physical and mental health by investing in health and wellness initiatives, resulting in a high-functioning, productive workforce.
Raise morale: When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to have a positive attitude towards their work and the company, resulting in improved morale.
Improve brand image: Employers prioritising health and wellness build a positive brand reputation by demonstrating social responsibility to their employees and appealing to customers and job seekers.
Decrease absenteeism: By helping to manage employees’ health, employers reduce the likelihood of sickness within the workplace. This results in fewer sick days and maximised productivity of the workforce.
Inspire behavioral changes: Wellness programs provide employees with firsthand experience of the multitude of benefits that come with leading a healthy lifestyle. Some programs even offer incentives to reinforce the importance of investing in their health. Employees are likely to adopt habits that improve their well-being when employers support them in doing so.
Meanwhile, employers must encourage a healthier workforce. Promoting employee health is not only beneficial for employees; it is beneficial for employers as well. It creates a positive and efficient work culture and environment.
A healthier workforce is more engaged, focused, and productive. Being healthy improves the overall quality of life, reducing risk factors for diseases.
