In developing markets, especially in India, companies have had a
tendency to focus on illness rather than wellness. This is despite the
fact that issues of absenteeism, and presenteeism, have assumed alarming
proportions,thus causing a negative impact on bottom lines. A
predominantly sedentary lifestyle is resulting in high levels of stress,
physical illness and low levels of productivity.
What evolved employers realize is that a healthy workforce is key to running a profitable business. Physical and mental health is critical to improving the top and bottom line. Leadership is responsible for profitability and a critical way to increase it is by protecting and providing for their most important asset - human capital.
Companies should focus on providing a simple, fun and relevant solution to maintain and establish a healthier and happier lifestyle - this gives employees who do not enjoy regimented exercise schedules, an opportunity to invest in their health. It was recently reported that almost 65 per cent of young adults in India have blood pressure within the prehypertensive and hypertensive range, and 60 pert cent of Indian companies have no strategy in place to ensure the good health of their employees.
Until recently, employer-initiated wellness programmes commonly included having a gymnasium in the office premises, with perhaps a couple of posters near the elevators to encourage employees to take the stairs instead. Organisations that value their employers are the ones that will invest in their employees' well-being: they are helping employees maintain a good work-life balance and, as a result, helping the employees deliver better performance.
What evolved employers realize is that a healthy workforce is key to running a profitable business. Physical and mental health is critical to improving the top and bottom line. Leadership is responsible for profitability and a critical way to increase it is by protecting and providing for their most important asset - human capital.
Companies should focus on providing a simple, fun and relevant solution to maintain and establish a healthier and happier lifestyle - this gives employees who do not enjoy regimented exercise schedules, an opportunity to invest in their health. It was recently reported that almost 65 per cent of young adults in India have blood pressure within the prehypertensive and hypertensive range, and 60 pert cent of Indian companies have no strategy in place to ensure the good health of their employees.
Until recently, employer-initiated wellness programmes commonly included having a gymnasium in the office premises, with perhaps a couple of posters near the elevators to encourage employees to take the stairs instead. Organisations that value their employers are the ones that will invest in their employees' well-being: they are helping employees maintain a good work-life balance and, as a result, helping the employees deliver better performance.
