Question

Discuss and describe the relationship between health and productivity in the workplace.

Answer 1

In very simple words, there is a direct relationship that exists between health and productivity in the workplace. When employees, in general, are healthy, productivity trends higher. On the other hand, when employees are relatively unhealthy, productivity trends lower.

Just to put things into perspective, Gallup research shows that absenteeism costs was approximately $443,000 per 1,000 employee on an annual basis. Considering this fact, it is important for organizations to focus on the health and well being of employees to ensure that productivity and utilization is at the optimal levels.

Just as an example, an employee suffering from migraine is likely to take leaves often or work at below optimal capacity. This impacts his function/role and all related functions in the organization.

Considering the importance of health in relation with productivity, the following measures can be initiated by the management -

1. Leading by Example - Managers need to lead by example when it comes to spending time in fitness centers and eating healthy.

2. Financial Goals - For employees, the extent of financial strain impacts health. The management needs to understand the financial goals of an individual employee and try to be in-sync with those goals.

While these are few points on initiatives by the management or leadership, the goal should be to create an organization culture that is more friendly, interactive, relatively stress free and open communication on issues with employees. Further, the management needs to stress on the fact that it is genuinely concerned about the health of employees and appropriate measures need to be implemented to back that view. Just as an example, the cafeteria having healthy food than having junk food. Or having a gym within the workplace.