Employers recognize dangers of sedentary lifestyle

Have you ever found colleagues or employees productivity is down because they’re too tired or out of shape? You’re not alone.

According to the Sun Life-Buffett National Wellness Survey, almost one quarter of Canadian employers have recognized sedentary lifestyle and work-related stress as the top health risks affecting their workers.

Stress has long been identified as one of the leading causes of productivity loss in the workplace, but Canadian employers seem to be realizing the potential that encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle can have on keeping their employees at work and motivated.

“With an increase in illnesses relating to both stress and sedentary lifestyles, the need for employer sponsored wellness programs is growing rapidly,” said Lori Casselman, Assistant Vice-President, in a press release. “Employers can positively influence the health of the workplace by implementing initiatives that encourage employees to understand their current health risks, and ultimately to lead healthier lives.”

The survey also found that 62 per cent of Canadian employers offer some sort of wellness initiative and half of those believe it increases the morale of their workers. Ninety-two per cent of employers surveyed recognize that the health of their employees has an impact on productivity.

The Sun Life-Buffett National Wellness Survey has been conducted every two years since 1997. It surveys 400 Canadian employers of public, private and not-for-profit organizations fo all sizes.