Companies that provide support in the area of child and elder care are ahead of the curve and perhaps the competition. There’s new evidence such company-sponsored work life benefits have an impact on employee health and well being which might lead to higher productivity and lower health care costs. The obvious story here is that when employees have one less burden to distract their attention, they’ll likely be more engaged at work and more productive. This is a very basic principle of cause and effect, but is it enough to ignite interest towards change?
A study done by Bright Horizons Family Solutions (which offers such employer services) in conjunction with Dr. Jamie Ladge of Northeastern University, found that employees who work for companies that offer child and elder care support reported less stress and health issues. The study reviewed data from 4000 working parents to compare health, wellness and stress outcomes.
The study “revealed that there is a clear link between employer-sponsored dependent care supports and decreased stress and stress-related illnesses as well as decreased incidences of physical health issues such as headaches and digestive problems and more serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.”
This study sheds light on the benefits of employee wellness not just from a physical standpoint, but from a birds eye mental view as well.
Workers with employer-sponsored dependent care benefits were less stressed and:
- Were 31% less likely to report lost productivity
- Reported 25% fewer personal health concerns
Paying attention to the well being of an employee is not just about perks, it’s about a holistic approach to their needs. Family issues are playing more and more of a role at the intersection of the work life merge. And some companies are starting to wake up to that. But the issue of bottom-line marketplace needs plays a role here.
Until corporations can see the results of such benefits on the spreadsheets, are the results of such studies less the harbinger of things to come, and perhaps more of a pipe dream. What are your thoughts?
