Why Focus on Employee Health & Well-Being?
In today's 24/7 society, workplace pressures continue to mount. Productivity demands, information overload and increasing pressure to balance work and home lives can take a toll on employees' health, well-being and job satisfaction.
According to a national public opinion poll conducted by the American Psychological Association, two-thirds of both men and women say work has a significant impact on their stress level, and one in four has called in sick or taken a "mental health day" as a result of work stress. Also a significant concern for employers, job stress is estimated to cost U.S. industry $300 billion a year in absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover and direct medical, legal and insurance fees.
Faced with skyrocketing healthcare costs, global competition and economic uncertainty, employers are concerned about attracting and retaining high-quality employees and keeping up morale. Minimizing workplace stress plays a significant role in the employee retention equation as organizations look to optimize their human capital.
Some companies have responded to these business challenges by taking care of their employees. These employers are creating workplaces that do more than just improve productivity - they build a strong, vibrant organizational culture that supports the company itself. In short, they build a psychologically healthy workplace.
"When you have a high level of employee involvement in regards to the decision-making and problem-solving; and, when employees know that they are not alone to deal with their personal issues; and, when they see opportunities to become healthier with their employer’s help; then, that business will be able to count on its greatest resource, its employees."
Glenn McFadden
Executive Vice President of Operations, The Comporium Group