 Many companies implement comprehensive wellness programs that focus on preventive health and lifestyle modification.  The rationale behind wellness programs is that encouraging healthy habits now can prevent or lower the risk of serious health conditions later.

 What happens in the workplace can have a huge impact on the overall health of employees.  Having healthy employees is a plus for any organization.

 60% spend their entire workday seated, and 56% are classified as “physically inactive  36% are overweight, and 23% are obese  66% report high stress on their jobs  21% are daily or regular smokers  An estimate of 7.5 million Canadians — each year — actually suffer depression, anxiety, substance abuse or another mental disorder.  The cost to the Canadian economy from workplace stress, depression and mental illness is 35 million lost workdays and an estimated $35 billion in lost productivity annually.

 A safe, clean work environment  Feel that they have some control and influence over what happens to them at work  Social support to help them deal with the stresses of everyday living

 Depression/anxiety/other mental health disorders - 66%  Stress - 60%  [Negative] Relationship with supervisor or manager - 44%  Co-worker conflict in the workplace - 28%  Childcare issues - 24%  Parenting issues - 21%  Addictions or substance use/abuse issues - 20%  Eldercare issues - 19%

 Workplace Environment  Quality of machinery and equipment  Relationships with supervisors and co-workers  Personal resources and  Job control  Individual health practices Not only does the workplace affect the well-being of the worker, but the health of the worker affects the success of the organization.

 Improved health and well-being  Increased morale and job satisfaction  Healthier workplace culture  Reduced personal health care expenses  Decreased absenteeism  Decreased presenteeism  Fewer injuries  Decreased turnover  Increased productivity  Fewer insurance and workers’ compensation claims  Better retention and recruiting  Enhanced business reputation and customer loyalty

 Promote preventive care  Encourage exercise  Emphasize education  Invest in incentives  Hone hunger options  Be mindful of mental health  Recommend behavioral resources

 Establish policies  Involve employees in developing policies that promote health and reduce risk  Enforce policies that promote  Promote employee participation  Involve employees in identifying concerns about the work environment  Give employees increased control over what happens to them at work

 Provide resources and support  Develop a list of community resources that are available  Make sure the list is kept updated  Have exercise equipment available for use during lunch and other breaks  Be flexible and innovative  Introduce flexibility in work scheduling  Allow them to adjust their hours of work  Explore alternatives like job sharing and working from home