Wellbeing in the workplace programmes pay for themselves
07 Dec 07
Source: Royal Institute of Public Health
Newly published research shows that health and wellbeing programmes in the workplace can deliver a return on investment of 6 to 1, through lower absence rates and improved productivity. This was one of the key messages at the recent launch of the Royal Institute of Public Health’s new 'health signposting' qualification – 'Understanding Health Improvement'.
Peer communication and support are the most effective ways to influence staff to change their behaviour and choose a healthier lifestyle, the research found. As each employer tends to have its own culture, staff – rather than healthcare professionals – are best placed to guide employees towards eating more healthily, doing more exercise, stopping smoking and drinking responsibly.
The business advantages of supporting staff health and well-being bring tangible financial benefits too - 25% of total healthcare costs are directly attributable to lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise, excessive alcohol and smoking, so health intervention programmes in the workplace can have a big impact on the business bottom line.