Gone are the days of viewing employee health as a secondary concern, as forward-thinking organisations now understand that a happy, healthy work environment is the key to unlocking productivity and innovation through corporate wellness.
According to the global health advisor at International SOS, Dr Chris van Straten, corporate wellness is the top leader in the company. It looks at different tools to make sure that their staff are as fit and as supported as they can be.
“When I was working as a junior doctor many years ago, people and companies didn’t really think about corporate wellness too much. It was like, you get to work, you work hard, and then you go home, and that’s it.”
Healthy employees, healthy business
“But things have changed, and people have realised that if you have fit, healthy, and supported staff, there is a really good chance that your business will be more fit, healthy, and productive because sick people or people who are struggling with mental health issues are probably not going to be as productive,” Van Straten says.
He also emphasises the importance of health insurance or financial education to ensure that all employees can participate regardless of their financial circumstances.
“To be holistically fit and healthy is not just about making sure my blood pressure is right, that I’m eating good food, and that I’m getting enough exercise. It’s also about making sure that the other tools that I need in life to be successful are present. To eat well, you need to be able to afford it, so financial training is also part of that package.”
Furthermore, he highlights that corporate wellness is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for organisations serious about thriving in today’s competitive market.
“Companies that have been very successful in building these programmes have been able to measure and see the increased wellness of their staff and the return on investment financially. Those are the companies that have truly succeeded and put themselves ahead of some of their competitors.”
“So find the right support system, and it can have very big positive consequences.”
In this podcast episode, Van Straten also suggests a few changes that people can personally make to improve their well-being at work.
Listen to the full interview on the Health For Mzansi podcast:
Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Apple Podcasts: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
ALSO LISTEN TO: Podcast: Healthcare workers battle burnout
Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.
