Employees' neglect of self-care is resulting in substantial financial losses for employers.

Recently, a close friend who serves as the CEO of a thriving company in Winnipeg shared a newly released report with me, shedding light on the alarming state of Canadians' health in the post-pandemic era.

Here is the link to the article titled Workers aren't taking good care of themselves and it's costing employers big bucks

I'll help you out by summarizing the shocking findings from this article.

1. Workplace Productivity Impact: In 2022, the average employee missed 48 days of work due to presenteeism or absenteeism. This resulted in a staggering estimated annual loss of $645 million for participating businesses. These figures underscore the significant impact that health-related issues have on workplace productivity and financial performance.
2. Nutritional Habits:71% of workers admit to not consuming the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Poor dietary habits can contribute to various health issues, impacting both physical and mental well-being, and potentially leading to decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs for employers.
3. Sleep Deprivation: Work stress contributes to 27% of workers getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night .Inadequate sleep not only affects individual health and well-being but can also impair cognitive function, decision-making, and overall productivity in the workplace.
4. Physical Activity Levels: Only 40% of workers engage in the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining physical health, reducing stress levels, and enhancing cognitive function, all of which are crucial for optimal workplace performance.
5. Financial Stress Impact: Financial stress is a significant concern, with 21% of workers reporting intense financial stress, up from previous years. Additionally, 63% of employees worry about money, and 30% spend work time thinking about financial stress can negatively impact mental health, leading to decreased productivity, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs for both employees and employers.
6. Employer Support and Productivity Gain: Workers who receive support from their employers for health-related issues experience better physical and mental health. This support, such as automatic savings plans or assistance programs, can lead to increased productivity by an extra nine days. Investing in employee well-being not only improves individual health outcomes but also yields significant returns in terms of workplace productivity and overall organizational performance.

Well, now that you know better....will you do better?

This issue persists, and I hope that more companies will recognize the importance of prioritizing their employees' health, as well as employees taking charge of their own well-being.

Yours in wellness,

Lisa Lounsbury

Founder of New Day Wellness Inc.

Author of Making Wellness a Priority