Absenteeism

Spring is the peak time for allergies, but indoor allergens can cause year-round trouble. Allergy symptoms are a leading cause of absenteeism; afflicted employees may miss up to 32 hours a week when pollen counts are high. Those who show up at work may be less productive, as both allergies and medications can cause drowsiness.

To … Continue Reading »

Are you doing all you can to promote workplace wellness to keep employees safe, healthy and productive?
It might be time for an honest evaluation.
Below are important steps that many companies are taking to encourage wellness. Check off all that apply to your workplace:
1. Work environments are well-ventilated, and there are areas that allow in plenty … Continue Reading »

Attention wellness coordinators: Recent research suggests employees will stay at their job longer, and decrease sick days, if they participate in a wellness program at work.

In a study from the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, participants involved in either moderate or intense weight management programs at work, decreased sick days from 3.9 days … Continue Reading »

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 3.7 million work-related injuries and illness in 2008.
While this number is alarming and represents substantial loss of workforce productivity, it’s the lowest number reported in five years.
Here’s the skinny: 1.1 million workers were hurt severely enough to require time off, which was down 7% from 2007. Ergonomic problem … Continue Reading »

Damaging behaviors like smoking, Internet overload, stress, and overall bad lifestyle choices can hinder productivity and drive up health care costs for your business.
Here are a few tips on how to help employees curb bad habits in the workplace:
Smoking. U.S. businesses are paying an estimated $3,391 extra per smoker per year in direct medical costs … Continue Reading »

According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), some 90% of workers said headaches affect their work performance, but only 33% report the discomfort to their employers.
In this study by the NHF, participants said they missed anywhere between one to three days a month due to headaches, and 86% said work-related headache issues have never been … Continue Reading »

Help employees start the year off right by giving them lifestyle tools they need to lose weight, increase energy, and decrease stress in 2010.
After all, healthy employees equal a healthier bottom line: Ten years ago, the total direct and indirect cost of obesity on US businesses was an estimated $117 billion, according to the Centers … Continue Reading »

We’ve probably all thought about our personal resolutions for 2010.
But have you considered doing the same for your wellness program? Here are some smart monthly suggestions to help keep the focus on good health all year long!
January: Remind employees about the importance of preventive screenings. A thorough exam by a primary care physician and the … Continue Reading »

The most recent report from the Federal Reserve says the economy is “improving modestly”, however, stress levels in the workplace are still high.
According to Mental Health America, one in four employees admit to missing work due to job-related stress. And nearly half of all American employees report feeling “stressed out” compared to 39% of workers … Continue Reading »

Did you know that more than half of Americans live with one or more chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and asthma?
Chronic health conditions can take a serious toll on individuals and businesses, both physically and financially. This year alone, billions will be spent on direct and indirect medical costs. Learning how to manage these … Continue Reading »