The government Health, Work and Wellbeing initiative has been working with UK companies to increase awareness of the important link between employee health and productivity.
HR departments increasingly understand the advantages of incorporating a wellbeing programme into the workplace. They provide a fantastic opportunity for a company to show their employees how much they are valued, and create a happier, more relaxed environment in which to work.
Focusing on health and wellbeing in the workplace can achieve:
- Guidance on lifestyle and wellbeing choices, which can motivate staff to keep themselves healthy
- Reduction in rates of sickness absence
- Increased productivity
- Healthier and happier employees who feel more appreciated
- Improved staff morale and loyalty
Increased stress levels at work have been proven to reduce productivity. Tight deadlines, longer working hours and juggling multiple projects can both physically and mentally take their toll. These can manifest into a range of health problems including high blood pressure, migraines and mild to moderate depression. Over time, being exposed to repeated stressful situations could escalate from small difficulties into Chronic Stress, which is a condition that has been proven to affect memory and the cognitive functions of the brain.