Poor corporate earnings reports and diving oil prices sent the DOW futures and foreign exchanges into the red overnight. Talk of global recession is on the front burner. What heads to the back burner are things we can allegedly do without. Unfortunately, for some companies, that means cutting back on employee assistance programs like flexible working alternatives and wellness initiatives. But that's a move that seems to fly in the face of wisdom towards building morale in the workplace – and emotionally and physically healthy employees.
A poll commissioned by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina shows that employers are still slow to adopt job site wellness programs, although the most inexpensive ones, happen to be the most popular. The results showed employees valued the following programs.
- Paid time off for doctor's visits or health care needs: 78 percent
- Purchasing healthy cafe or vending options: 67 percent
- Participating in physical activity during workout hours: 67 percent
- Completing a health risk assessment: 66 percent
But in the survey of employees, for example, only 35 percent of employers offer physical activity during the workday and only 29 percent offer healthier cafe or vending options.
These programs require thought and energy, not a lot of cash. It calls upon employers to take the time to investigate the needs of their workers and the benefits of such attention can go a long way toward embracing human capital in the workplace. If management just starts the conversation, it will allow employees to have more of a voice in expressing their ideas for a healthier workplace environment – without the pressure of being intimidated.
The economic crisis is not going to disappear overnight, but when an employee takes a quick look at their IRA statement, their disposition at work and at home can head south in an instant. Wouldn't it behoove companies to put worker wellness on the docket during such times? It might just lay the foundation for a more engaged and productive workforce.
