Please note: this is an old article
It was published in June 2012, so the information may be out-of-date.
According to a recent survey the cost of employee absenteeism due to sickness is around $2,800 per worker per annum. The research is now irrefutable that poor employee health will impact the bottom line of your business.
In fact, Medibank Private estimated the cost of lost productivity linked to employee health at 34 billion for 2010. That's a 2.7 per cent reduction in gross domestic product!
With 60 per cent of adult Australians now considered overweight, we are seeing a dramatic rise in prevalence of chronic disease. Over the last ten years the incidence of diabetes has risen up to 150 per cent in some Local Government Areas. The 55 year old plus demographic has been most impacted by diabetes which like heart disease tends to manifest later in life. However, there is a tsunami of poor heath to come in younger generations if current lifestyle conditions persist.
Over 20 per cent of Victorians have participated in a free WorkHealth check. The results show that over 90 per cent of participants are not eating enough fruit and vegetables, and 70 per cent are not meeting minimum standards for physical activity, which is only 30 minutes per 24 hour period! The bar is set pretty low and we are still coming up short. We must start to get the basics right which begins with a healthy diet and a good dose of exercise.
Medibank Private estimates that nearly half of the workforce will be over 45 years old by 2025. If the decay in health continues we are looking at serious reductions in workforce participation and productivity, not to mention major economic healthcare strain. The best place to start is by offering your employees a free and confidential health check at work.
For more information on free WorkHealth checks for your team, or the new WorkHealth grants initiative, please contact Katie Chancellor, WorkHealth Coordinator on: 03 8662 5326 or email kchancellor@vecci.org.au