Two of the most preventable factors in lost productivity at work are also two of the most disturbing issues that face Americans today. The slowing economy has forced many businesses to look at the way they provide benefits to their employees and find creative ways to supplement the once fully-paid health insurance premiums.With that said we take a look at the two most preventable causes of increased medical claims and lost time at work and what employers are doing to change the lifestyle in and out of the office.
The consequences for lighting up a cigarette far outreach just the physical outcomes.In the business world smoking is becoming a focal point when it comes to the finances of the company too.In short, smokers pay more for health insurance and by some accounts, cost the economy over $97 billion a year in lost productivity. This doesn’t even include the amount of money smokers cost their employers in health care expenses and workers comp claims.
The plain fact of the matter is that insurance premiums are based upon a set of risk factors, and smoking is high on that list. Medical experts consider it to be the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Smoking related deaths account for approximately 400,000 people each year. Illnesses affecting the respiratory tract such as emphysema, asthma, pneumonia and problems like lung cancer and heart disease are well known conditions to long time smokers.
Gradually, we have seen private businesses, and now even state governments begin to charge the employees extra for health insurance if they smoke, and many have joined the growing trend to eliminate those employees who are not willing to quit. As harsh as it seems, most of these companies also offer cessation programs and incentives for their employees to quit and give a decent amount of time for smokers to meet their goals.
Excess weight increases the risk for over 50 different health problems ranging from depression, back pain, respiratory issues and the national leading causes of death, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. Employers recognize these issues and have recently started looking for ways to improve the health and well being of their employees.
Although weight is not the only factor that plays into workplace costs, it can be a major contributor to how employees are treated, and whether they are hired in the first place.The stigma attached to obesity, “fat people are lazy people”, has affected its share of employees who may have great experience, but bad first impressions. Most cities and states don’t specify weight in their discrimination laws and that first impression can have devastating consequences for many Americans looking for work today.
A new trend moving through businesses in the United States is the multifaceted wellness program. Everything from weight loss competitions, cessation programs, support groups, walking and yoga classes to yearly health screenings for blood pressure and diabetes supply employees with the support they need to live healthier. Pieces of wellness programs are available in almost every sector in private business and have helped companies shave the cost off rising insurance premiums and lost productivity.
Building a culture committed to healthy lifestyles has encouraged senior leaders to “walk the walk” and become the spokesperson for healthy living. Committees comprised of a variety of employees from managers to the mail clerk organize activities and encourage commitment of healthy living within their departments.
Employers are realizing quickly that retaining healthy, happy employees is in itself a valuable commodity. More and more are working to offer creative benefits that will help retain quality employees without damaging the productivity bottom line.