In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, businesses increasingly recognize workplace health’s critical role in their success. Creating healthy, happy, and long-lasting employees is vital for lowering staff turnover, increasing productivity and engagement, and improving employer branding. As organizations strive to foster a supportive and proactive health culture, they enhance their employees’ well-being and drive business growth and sustainability. With the back-to-work season upon us, there is no better time to focus on implementing effective workplace wellness programs that benefit both the employees and the company.
In this article, we cover:
- Understanding proactive workplace health – a holistic approach
- The economic impact of work-related illnesses
- Benefits of proactive workplace health
- Key components of effective workplace health programs
- NEM, your partner in workplace health
Understanding proactive workplace health: a holistic approach
In today’s fast-paced work environment, prioritizing the health and well-being of employees is crucial. Creating a healthy workplace involves more than just promoting physical fitness; it also means supporting mental and emotional well-being.
Physical health
The physical well-being of employees includes nutrition, exercise, regular health screenings, and ergonomics. Encouraging employees to adopt healthy eating habits, providing access to fitness facilities, offering health checkups, and promoting regular physical activity breaks can significantly improve physical health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Mental health
Mental health is equally important in the workplace but often overlooked. High levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout can negatively impact employee performance and overall morale. Employers can support mental health by promoting a culture of open communication, providing access to mental health resources and support services, and implementing stress-reduction initiatives such as mindfulness programs or flexible work hours.
Emotional health
Emotional health refers to the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively. Creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and heard is essential for promoting emotional well-being. Recognizing achievements, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, and promoting work-life balance can contribute to a positive emotional climate in the workplace.
The economic impact of work-related illnesses
Work-related illnesses place a growing economic burden on employers and society in Sweden. For example, the total cost of work-related illnesses, including absenteeism, was estimated at SEK 64 billion in 2018, while the cost of absenteeism alone reached 71 billion in 2022 (1), (2). Fatigue, physical pain, and mental health issues are common complaints that lead to presenteeism, turnover, and productivity loss.
Sources: (3), (2)
About 3,000 people die prematurely each year from unhealthy work environments in Sweden.
Every year, about 3000 people die prematurely from illnesses or injuries caused by unhealthy work environments (3). Just over 700 people die from job stress every year, and more are at risk of dying from this in the future. New research also suggests that one in 20 cases of suicide is related to work-related bullying (3).
In Sweden, the cost of absenteeism due to sick leave was SEK 71 billion in 2022.
The figures also show that the social cost of mental illness has gradually increased in Sweden over time, from SEK 29.2 billion in 2015 to SEK 32.6 billion in 2022 (2). Moreover, three out of ten employed people with problems due to work have been absent from work full-time or part-time due to the problems at least once in the past year (4). In addition to sick leave, absence also includes if the person has taken a holiday, flextime leave, or leave without compensation due to the complaints.
Fatigue, physical pain, and body aches are the most common complaints. Many people also feel worried or anxious about their work (2).
Benefits of proactive workplace health
Implementing comprehensive wellness programs in the workplace offers numerous advantages for employees and employers. By adopting a healthier, more engaged workforce, these initiatives can lead to improved reduced staff turnover, increased productivity, and brand image.
Reduced staff turnover
Several studies have shown that implementing a wellness program at work can significantly reduce employee turnover. For example, a study conducted at a large university in the Midwestern United States found that employees who participated in wellness activities, such as health risk assessments and wellness programs, were less likely to leave their jobs than those who did not participate (5). Specifically, employees who engaged in health risk assessments and wellness programs had the lowest likelihood of turnover. This association suggests that wellness programs enhance employee health and lead to greater employee engagement and loyalty to the organization, ultimately contributing to reduced turnover rates.
Reduced presenteeism
Many experts have pointed out that showing up to work when sick, known as “sickness presenteeism,” is influenced by various factors like working conditions, health status, and other individual and organizational factors (6). Presenteeism greatly costs companies and society and increases the risk of future health problems.
Researchers found that obesity and long-term health issues were strongly linked to presenteeism (7). A recent study conducted in Australian workplaces explored the longitudinal association between obesity, long-term health conditions, and presenteeism (7). Drawing from data collected from over 111,000 participants, the study found compelling evidence linking obesity, long-term health conditions, and presenteeism. Participants classified as overweight, obese, or dealing with long-term health conditions were significantly more likely to engage in presenteeism, indicating a potential impact on workplace productivity. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing employee health and well-being within corporations, as interventions aimed at improving health could potentially reduce the prevalence of presenteeism and enhance overall organizational performance.
Reduced absenteeism
The cost of absenteeism due to sick leave is substantial, highlighting the need for effective wellness programs. Programs aimed at reducing sickness absence can significantly lower these costs.
A relevant case study demonstrated the impact of complications associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on work absenteeism, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to mitigate these effects (8). Analyzing data from over 400,000 individuals with T2D, the research showed that complications such as stroke, end-stage renal disease, and severe vision loss contributed to prolonged absence from work, with each complication associated with over three months of absenteeism (8). Notably, the study indicated that T2D complications are a key driver of absenteeism, suggesting the potential benefit of implementing workplace wellness programs in promoting employee health and productivity. By providing support for preventive measures and disease management, such programs may reduce the incidence of T2D complications, potentially leading to fewer days lost due to illness and ultimately benefiting both employees and employers alike.
Potential reduction of cardiovascular disease
One significant benefit of implementing corporate wellness programs is their potential to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (9). Given the burden of CVD, increasing the prevalence of healthy lifestyle choices is a global imperative. Currently, cardiac rehabilitation programs address modifiable risk factors in the secondary prevention setting after a cardiovascular event or diagnosis. However, primary prevention of CVD is widely regarded as effective and worthwhile. A well-designed and organized worksite health and wellness program creates an opportunity to affect a large portion of the population. Implementing these programs in the workplace allows for continual engagement with employees, promoting positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Evidence indicates that these programs provide numerous benefits in altering cardiovascular risk factor profiles in apparently healthy individuals and those at high risk for or already diagnosed with CVD (9). Given the societal burden of CVD, rethinking worksite health and wellness to focus on modifiable CV risk factor reduction may be highly advantageous. This evidence highlights the efficacy of worksite wellness programs in reducing the incidence and prevalence of CVD and preventing subsequent cardiovascular events.
Decrease burnout and create healthier workplaces
Organizations can combat employee burnout effectively by implementing evidence-based wellness programs(10). These programs include stress management interventions like cognitive-behavioral training and mindfulness meditation, both proven to reduce burnout and enhance well-being. Cognitive-behavioral training helps employees reframe thoughts and develop coping strategies, improving work quality and reducing complaints. Mindfulness meditation aids in stress adaptation and lowers physiological stress markers. Integrating these evidence-based practices into wellness programs, alongside addressing organizational-level burnout causes, creates a supportive work environment and sustainable employee wellness.
Higher morale
Another significant advantage of workplace wellness programs is their potential to boost employee morale (11). While many evaluations focus on the financial returns of these programs—comparing the investment to the savings—they often overlook the cultural benefits. Implementing wellness programs can enhance an organization’s culture by fostering employee pride, trust, and commitment. The nature of these programs necessitates a partnership between employees and employers, which relies on mutual trust. Given that personal health is a deeply personal matter, a well-executed wellness program can forge strong, meaningful connections within the workplace.
Improved brand image
Implementing wellness programs signifies a company’s deep commitment to the health and well-being of its employees, serving as a powerful driver for enhancing its brand image (11). By prioritizing employee well-being, companies like Key Solutions demonstrate genuine concern for their workforce, positioning themselves as highly desirable employers and fostering a positive reputation as great places to work. This proactive approach to employee health improves retention rates and strengthens the company’s ability to attract top talent. Key Solutions’ collaboration with NEM exemplifies the tangible benefits of investing in employee wellness. Through annual health examinations and proactive health measures, Key Solutions safeguards the health and productivity of its employees, sending a strong message of care and appreciation. Such initiatives contribute to a healthier and happier workforce while reinforcing the overall attractiveness of the company’s brand, solidifying its position as a forward-thinking and employee-centric organization.
Key Components of Effective Proactive Workplace Health Programs
To maximize the effectiveness of workplace health programs, it is essential to focus on several key components. Below are some of the fundamental elements we can help you with at NEM and some other tips to help you create a healthier and more productive workforce:
Health screenings and regular check-ups
Regular health screenings and check-ups are vital for early detection and prevention of health issues. Employees can make informed lifestyle choices before symptoms occur by monitoring key health indicators, such as energy metabolism, performance, and risks for chronic age-related diseases. This proactive approach helps maintain overall health and prevents future complications.
Mental health support and evaluation of stress (with neuro-EVs)
Providing mental health support and stress evaluations is essential for maintaining employees’ well-being. By partnering with experts, we can analyze neuro-extracellular vesicles (neuro-EVs), a validated biomarker released by the central nervous system during fatigue syndrome and chronic stress. By using targeted questionnaires and specific blood tests, we can objectively detect signs of fatigue syndrome, helping to prevent long-term sick leave with personalized interventions. This allows for personalized interventions that prevent long-term sick leave, reduce stress, and maintain work productivity.
Physical activity and fitness
Encouraging employees to stay active through regular exercise and fitness programs can significantly enhance their physical health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and boost overall well-being. Offering on-site fitness facilities, organizing group exercise sessions, and providing incentives for active lifestyles are effective strategies to promote physical activity.
Nutrition and healthy eating initiatives
Promoting healthy eating habits is essential for maintaining employees’ overall health. Providing access to nutritious meals, offering nutrition education sessions, and encouraging balanced diets can help reduce the risk of diet-related health issues. Implementing initiatives such as healthy cafeteria options and keeping track of e.g. glucose, vitamin, and mineral levels through blood work can foster a workplace wellness culture.
Work-life balance and flexible working conditions
Supporting work-life balance through flexible working conditions is crucial for employee well-being. Flexible work hours, remote work options, and policies that promote a healthy balance between professional and personal life can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction. Organizations that recognize the importance of work-life balance can create a more supportive and productive work environment.
Prioritizing proactive workplace health is not just a trend but a crucial strategy for a sustainable and productive workforce. By investing in employees’ health and happiness, businesses can significantly reduce staff turnover, boost productivity, and enhance overall engagement. Moreover, a proactive health program strengthens employer branding, making the company more attractive to top talent.
