With World Health Day being on 4 April, many businesses across the globe reflected on how to make the workspace a better place for employees. Employee health is key to sustainability and productivity.
Working in the aviation and tourism sectors is often demanding. Employees have to give up much of their family time for work.
The nature of the work can also put employees at risk of burnout due to having irregular work schedules (shifts), working outdoors (exposure to the elements), and having to deal with customers.
HAPPY AND SAFE WORKSPACES
An important part of an organisation’s sustainability strategy should relate to staff. This includes retaining staff and keeping them happy and productive.
There are many ways for employers to inspire loyalty and productivity in their employees.
Thus, making the workplace a conducive place for employees to grow and remain loyal to the company.
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WORLD HEALTH DAY
World Health Day serves as a reminder for businesses to prioritise employee health and wellbeing. This is a key driver of organisational performance.
International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, urges organisations to move beyond simply acknowledging employee health and wellbeing and actively champion a culture of health within their organisations.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH
The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates annual health-related productivity losses arising from poor employee health costs employers $530 billion globally.
Moreover, millions of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses are reported worldwide each year.
Preventative health programmes can help to minimise these impacts.
INVESTING IN EMPLOYEE HEALTH
The International SOS Foundation commissioned a report, The Return on Prevention. This reveals that for every dollar invested in such programmes, organisations can expect a return of $2.53.
Additionally, fostering employee well-being strengthens talent acquisition and retention, with a remarkable 82% of global risk professionals acknowledging its critical role.
“This year’s World Health Day theme is “My health, my right”. Organisations can take this opportunity to support the health and well-being of their employees by encouraging them to actively take charge of their health. While access to health services, clean air, safe drinking water and nutritious food are crucial, so too is a safe and healthy work culture and environment. Long working hours, sedentary work, and limited access to healthy food options can make it difficult for employees to maintain healthy habits. Relatively simple changes at work can increase employee engagement and productivity, reduce absenteeism, and ultimately contribute to a stronger and more successful organisation.”
Dr Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor Clinical Governance at International SOS
KEY HEALTH AND WELLNESS STRATEGY
International SOS offers five key strategies organisations can implement to enhance employee health and well-being:
- Develop a comprehensive health and wellness programme: Provide necessary health information and resources, including access to health screenings, educational workshops, and mental health support.
- Cultivate a healthy work culture that prioritises health and wellbeing: Encourage regular breaks, provide physical activity opportunities and healthy food options within the workplace.
- Offer flexible work arrangements: This can empower employees to manage their work-life balance more effectively and reduce stress.
- Provide access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and confidential counselling services: Ensure employees feel comfortable seeking help when they need it most.
- Invest in training for managers: Empower managers to identify and address employee wellbeing concerns effectively.
