Lifestyle | Smart health boosts your productivity

By Amy-Jane Louw

A recent study conducted in Australia showed that unhealthy workers take up to nine times more sick leave and are three times less productive than their healthy co-workers. It stands to reason that even here in South Africa, companies are taking a greater interest in their employees’ health than ever before. The impact of unhealthy employees on team performance and a company’s overall productivity is staggering. Absenteeism due to illness contributes to team sabotage and often even when a sick co-worker does show up for duty, their productivity and efficiency are limited.

Besides the usual gamut of illnesses that besiege workers every season, there is also a rising rate of work-related stress that causes illness. In 2005, the Australian National Health and Safety Commission reported that over AUD$133.9 million (R 1.1 billion) was paid out in benefits to workers who had made claims relating to workplace stress and that this was also cited as the reason for the longest stretches of absenteeism.

Stress-related illnesses are the most common complaint amongst today’s workforce, though what some people perceive as stress, others may see as a challenge. This will largely depend on the individual’s general health and lifestyle.

The signs and symptoms of work-related stress can be physical, psychological and behavioral. Physical symptoms may include muscular tension, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, gastrointestinal upsets, heart palpitations and dermatological disorders.

Psychological and behavioral symptoms will see an increase in sick days or absenteeism, aggression, irritability, pessimism, a drop in work performance, feelings of being overwhelmed or an inability to cope, concentrate or make decisions.

Companies that provide programs and facilities to promote health and wellness have been reaping the benefits of having healthy staff. Corporate fitness programs that take a holistic approach to the individual’s emotional, social and intellectual health boast major rewards and for the organisation – improved staff morale, reduced staff turnover, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and a positive and caring image. The benefits for the staff are phenomenal, with employees reporting enhanced self-esteem, reduced stress, increased job satisfaction and most importantly improved health and sense of wellbeing.

You can never underestimate the influence your health has on your productivity and overall work life. General ill health plays a major role in how you perceive your job and responsibilities. Take advantage of your company’s corporate wellness programs, and if your workplace does not have one, suggest investment in such a program. We spend most of our daily lives at work and it makes sense to start a health and fitness program there. You will not only boost your productivity at work, but you will live a longer, healthier, happier life.

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Back to SmartyPants Newsletter - November 2011 Edition