The Benefits of Health Promotion in the Workplace

Health promotion in theworkplace benefits not only the company, but the employee as well.Additionally, there is a distinct trickle-down effect as the benefits aretransferred from employee to family members. Health promotion in the workplacecreates conditions that support and teach the best possible health for theemployee. This gives employees a sense of ownership and they learn to worktogether to form a coordinated action to improve well being. Areas such ashealth promotion, heart health, nutrition, fitness, recreation, tobacco andalcohol awareness and workplace safety are all areas where health promotion inthe workplace is very effective. Implementing such a program gives employees afeeling of being more than just a number. It brings the humanity of companiesback to the corporate forefront.

Wellness programs are generallymore focused on prevention which facilitates a proactive approach to healthcare.This, in turn, leads to an overall decrease in health care costs. Diseasemanagement, health education and health maintenance are all crucial in creatinga solid wellness foundation within an organization. There is strong evidence tosupport the effectiveness of health promotion in the workplace and concur thatthese types of interventions make a significant difference within theorganizational structure. Companies that implement wellness programs for theiremployees encourage healthy lifestyles for not only employees, but theirfamilies as well.

Mental health programs as apart of health promotion in the workplace have been shown to significantlyreduce depression in employees. Additionally, companies employing this strategyalso enjoy reduced suicide rates and reduced behavioral problems amongemployees. Mental health programs and stress management classes have alsoresulted in less domestic aggression and a more positive environment foremployees. On a social level, there are fewer learning problems, a significantreduction in child abuse as well as spousal abuse.

Companies that address healthand safety issues of employees regarding their work environment do experience adecrease in on the job injuries and fewer workers’ compensation claims. Occupationalhealth and safety also helps to decrease the number of deaths and disabilitiesin the workplace. Time loss injuries are also substantially decreased whenworkers are adequately trained and these types of workplace health and wellnesssafety programs are implemented.

Wellness programs and generalhealth promotion in the workplace show employees that the organizationrecognizes that both the employer and the employee share some extent ofresponsibility for the employee's health. It shows the employee that theirhealth is of importance to the organization. And it should be important.Healthier employees mean fewer absences and a lower turnover rate.

In short, the benefits ofhealth promotion in the workplace are many. The greatest benefit, however, isin the human aspect of the organization. When the people are taken care of, thecompany's bottom line remains intact. With reduced absenteeism and health carecosts, organizations should seriously consider wellness programs as a viable,effective method for reducing employee related expenses and strengthening theirpersonnel relations within the company. Health promotion in the workplace cancut costs and yield productivity increases, but it is not a cure-all.Businesses must also consider job design, organizational systems, humanresource management practices and workplace culture. All these must beconducive to a productive, healthy workplace.