Life insurers can position themselves as productivity managers by sharing hard data that proves a healthy workplace does translate into increased productivity – with an added bonus of fewer claims on coverage
Life insurers can position themselves as productivity managers by sharing hard data that proves a healthy workplace does translate into increased productivity – with an added bonus of fewer claims on coverage.
“A good prevention program reduces risk factors associated with psychological and physical health, lifestyle habits and company operations,” says Francois Laflamme, senior consultant, associate and president of Optima Global Health. “When considering staff turnover, employee satisfaction is of primary importance. To succeed at this, employers must be able to rely on trained, engaged and healthy employees.”
According to a Health Canada report, a physically active employee is 12% more productive than a less active colleague.
“Of all the studies we looked at, one from Harvard University stands out for its methodology and rigour,” says Laflamme. “The study in question concluded that initiatives related to wellness in the workplace have an average return of 336%, meaning savings of $3.36 for every dollar invested. There is also a large body of Quebec and Canadian studies that corroborate these results.”
However, to achieve such success, it is essential for the organization to be proactive and implement a multifaceted program combining everything from prevention to disability support, adds Laflamme.
It has been shown that human resources with a healthy lifestyle and adequate support are more fulfilled and productive, which is beneficial for the individual, the organization and society in general – which opens the door for insurers to take on that role to promote such lifestyles, and more importantly, reduce the most costly risk factors for organizations, which include depression, stress, musculoskeletal disorders, high blood sugar, obesity, smoking, hypertension and physical inactivity.
“A good prevention program reduces risk factors associated with psychological and physical health, lifestyle habits and company operations,” says Francois Laflamme, senior consultant, associate and president of Optima Global Health. “When considering staff turnover, employee satisfaction is of primary importance. To succeed at this, employers must be able to rely on trained, engaged and healthy employees.”
According to a Health Canada report, a physically active employee is 12% more productive than a less active colleague.
“Of all the studies we looked at, one from Harvard University stands out for its methodology and rigour,” says Laflamme. “The study in question concluded that initiatives related to wellness in the workplace have an average return of 336%, meaning savings of $3.36 for every dollar invested. There is also a large body of Quebec and Canadian studies that corroborate these results.”
However, to achieve such success, it is essential for the organization to be proactive and implement a multifaceted program combining everything from prevention to disability support, adds Laflamme.
It has been shown that human resources with a healthy lifestyle and adequate support are more fulfilled and productive, which is beneficial for the individual, the organization and society in general – which opens the door for insurers to take on that role to promote such lifestyles, and more importantly, reduce the most costly risk factors for organizations, which include depression, stress, musculoskeletal disorders, high blood sugar, obesity, smoking, hypertension and physical inactivity.
