A healthy organization has been defined as “one whose culture, climate and practices create an environment that promotes employee health and safety as well as organizational effectiveness” (Lowe, 2004).
The success of any company depends heavily on the productivity and performance of its employees. There is strong data to suggest that high levels of stress, excess body weight, and other multiple risk factors are associated with increased healthcare costs and illness-related absenteeism.
Studies show that health and wellness promotion programs are associated with lower levels of absenteeism and reduced healthcare costs. Providing education and motivation to improve individual health can produce valuable rewards for both employees and employers. Because most people spend so many of their waking hours at work, that can be an excellent environment for influencing healthy habits.
Benefits of corporate wellness programs can include:
- Lower healthcare costs
- Reduced chronic disease risk
- Decreased rates of illness, injury and disability
- Reduced absenteeism
- Increased employee productivity and efficiency
- Improved morale and lower stress levels
- Enhanced retention of healthy employees
The importance of physical activities cannot be overemphasized. Physical activity has been shown to have many positive effects on physical and mental health. It increases productivity, company morale and profits. It also improves energy and stress levels.