International research initiated by Human Resource and labour experts confirms that the welfare of staff is a growing priority in the workplace.
An online report, published on www.peoplemanagement.co.uk reported the findings of a UK-focused Workplace Wellness Survey, jointly conducted by a health solutions provider and a London university - vielife and London South Bank University.
The survey questioned 100 HR Directors and financial directors at companies with more than 1000 employees.
It found that 44% of Finance Directors and 38% of HR Directors believed employee health was a priority for their companies. Moreover 60% of Financial Directors and 72% of HR Directors agreed with the notion that workplace health is a threat to UK productivity and competitiveness.
Insurance firms and academic institutions in South Africa have initiated similar wellness surveys. Issues such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and depression have been singled out as chronic conditions amongst employees.
Management at Accsys, a national supplier of management solutions within HR, payroll administration, time & attendance and access control, says South Africa is moving steadily in line with global trends related to employee health. This applies to both physical and psychological health.
The company believes the issue is particularly pertinent for the South African environment because of the country's dynamic labour environment.
It is an environment of constant change and development, fuelled by evolving legislation and other socio-economic factors. These factors include skills development, employment equity, tax regulation, and increasing living costs.
There is a clearer understanding amongst management in business that a healthy workforce results in greater productivity.
Economic and political leaders agree that health-related matters are affecting key industries including manufacturing, retail and construction, as examples.
There is greater interest and investment in technology, programmes and systems to help improve the wellbeing of employees.
We know that in the current economic climate, people are under intense pressure – as are the businesses in which they work. Stress is widely accepted as the root cause of many ailments. Management know that a healthy and focused individual is better for the business, and human resources is leading in efforts to use websites, health monitoring systems and social initiatives to support employees.
Accsys believes the health of employees will increase in importance in the immediate future and will dominate many HR and recruitment strategies going forward.