NEHRA News

A Case for Health

More than 109 million Americans report having at least one of seven chronic diseases, which include cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, pulmonary conditions and mental disorders¹. This translates into 162 million cases each year and $1.3 trillion spent annually on these diseases¹. Of this cost, $1.1 trillion or 85% accounts for lost productivity at the workplace and an additional $277 billion is spent on treatment¹.

If the past is a guide, by 2023 there will be an estimated 42% rise in the number of cases of the seven chronic diseases¹. This could lead to $4.2 trillion in treatment costs and lost economic output¹. While part of these costs go directly to medical care, the lost productivity is composed of lost workdays (absenteeism) and presenteeism. Presenteeism is the complement of absenteeism. It is defined as lost productivity when employees are at work but their performance is below par due to any kind of physical or mental illness. Employees may show up, but are not able to perform their job function with maximum efficiency.  Some examples that may influence presenteeism include back pain, arthritis, allergies, depression and relationships both within and outside the office that affect an employee’s ability to focus.

The question is, how do we increase productivity to increase yield and decrease business costs? Major factors that affect productivity include attitude, health, environment and technology, employee relationships and downsizing².  By providing employees with the correct tools – whether it is nutrition, fitness or needed technology, employers have the potential to directly affect the first 4 out of these 5 factors and save on annual costs. In this article, we will discuss how nutrition, fitness and work/life balance can be addressed to promote productivity.

Eat your way to increased productivity.
The body runs on fuel derived from the foods and beverages we choose. Employees make multiple decisions each day about the foods and beverages they wish to consume and each bite can serve to enhance or detract from health and productivity. Choosing not only the right foods, but also the correct portion sizes and combination of foods can translate into improved focus, concentration and energy in the workplace. This is accomplished by stabilizing sugar levels (or glucose) in the bloodstream to provide a steady release of energy in the body to help an employee stay focused. The goal is to abandon spikes and drops in energy that may hinder performance. Eating high sugar food items such as candy bars are often abundant in vending machines, or consuming high calorie, high fat food items such as pastries, cakes, muffins and sweet coffee treats, often found in the local work kitchen or fast food lunch joint, can drain energy levels leaving employees lethargic and unable to concentrate.

To improve energy and avoid that mid-afternoon slump, employees should be encouraged to trade high fat and/or sugary choices such as candy bars, soda, chips and other refined carbohydrates for more nutritious, better balanced choices. Employees who choose yogurt, low sugar granola bars, low fat cheese with whole grain crackers, vegetables with hummus or peanut butter with an apple will experience more balanced sugar levels and help keep energy levels stable and stay full longer and maintain optimum focus.

Pump Up Productivity with Fitness.
Planned exercise on most days of the week can improve time management and mood which may support a more positive and creative work environment, as well as improved concentration and energy³. All of these can lead to higher quality work. It is important to incorporate all aspects of fitness including flexibility, cardiovascular exercise and strength training into a workout routine for overall wellness. A combination of these three components work together to relieve stress, improve strength, boost endurance of the heart and lungs, elevate mood, alleviate fatigue and reduce tightening or tension of muscles that may lead to headaches, neck aches and backaches^4,5,6.  Encouraging employees to schedule their workouts in an appointment book, take important "wellness breaks" and educating them about simple stretches that can be done at their desk can help them to stay motivated to be physically active and improve health.

Stress Less - Achieving Work / Life Balance.
Increased stress can translate into a lowered immune response, high blood pressure, and restless nights – all of which can influence an employee’s presenteeism and absenteeism. Direct effects of stress may also lead to low energy levels, poor decision making, tardiness, illness, burnout, decreased productivity and problems with relationships⁴. Finding a work / life balance that can help to reduce stress is crucial to the healthy, happy and productive atmosphere that individuals strive for.  Eating well and exercising are two key factors to help alleviate stress levels, but adequate sleep, at least 7 hours each night, can also help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity⁷.

Finding time in the day to recharge, clear the mind and relax can give an employee a fresh outlook on a project and improve work output and quality. A few ways to help deal with stress include teaching employees to establish goals and priorities, scheduling the week (and include exercise!) and communicating effectively and efficiently with both co-workers and personal relationships. Efficient communication involves being direct, managing calls and emails, and being proactive.

Several factors can promote productivity in the workplace and decrease the associated preventable economic costs. Educating your employee population about how and when to make changes can positively impact employee health, office morale and thus lead to higher quality work, increased output and reduced company costs. Providing the right tools, environment and education in the workplace can empower employees to not only make important decisions regarding their health but also potentially reduce the presence of absenteeism and presenteeism. Employees drive a business and employers who maximize health and wellness in the workplace have the potential to maximize profits while improving employee satisfaction.  It is a win-win for all!

1 DeVol R, Bedroussian A, et al. "An Unhealthy America: The Economic Burden of Chronic Disease -- Charting a New Course to Save Lives and Increase Productivity and Economic Growth". Milken Institute. October 2007. Last Accessed on April 11, 2011 at: http://www.milkeninstitute.org/publications/publications.taf?function=detail&ID=38801018&cat=ResRep

2 Stringer J Ph.D. "5 Factors That Affect Your Employee's Productivity." National Business Research Institute, Inc. 2007. April 17, 2011 <http://www.nbrii.com/blog/5FactorsThatAffectYourEmployeesProductivity.aspx>.

3 Netz Y, Dwolatzky T, Zinker Y, Argov E, Agmon R. "Aerobic fitness and multidomain cognitive function in advanced age".  International Psychogeriatrics  2011: 23(1) 114-124

4 Toker S, Shirom A, Melamed S, Shapira I, Berliner S. "The Association Between Burnout, Depression, Anxiety, and Inflammation Biomarkers: C-Reactive Protein and Fibrinogen in Men and Women". Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. 2005: 10 (4) 344 - 362.

5 Kietrys D M, Galper J S, Verno V. "Effects of at-work exercises on computer operators." Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation. 2007: 28 (1) 67-75.

6 Rot M A H, Collins K A, Fitterling H L.  "Physical Exercise and Depression". Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine. 2009: 76 204-2214.

7 Shankar A, Syamal S, Kalidindi S. "Insufficient Rest or Sleep and Its Relation to Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Obesity in a National, Multiethnic Sample." PLoS ONE. 2010:  5(11): e14189.

Teaser: Maximize profits and reduce economic business costs by increasing productivity in the workplace. With the right combination of tools, you can improve employee health and satisfaction and reduce company medical costs and dollars lost in absenteeism and poor performance.

About the Author:
Debra Wein, MS, RD, LDN, CSSD, NSCA-CPT-D, CWPD is an internationally recognized expert on health and wellness and has designed award winning programs for both individuals and corporations around the world. She is president and founder of Wellness Workdays, Inc., (http://www.wellnessworkdays.com/) a leading provider of worksite wellness programs. In addition, Debra is the president and founder of partner company, Sensible Nutrition, Inc. (http://www.sensiblenutrition.com/), a consulting firm of RD's and personal trainers, established in 1994, that provides nutrition and wellness services to individuals. Debra has nearly 20 years of experience working in the health and wellness industry. Debra's interests include bringing the latest developments in nutrition, fitness and wellness to her clients and anyone who will listen. Her goal is to inspire individuals to make simple and positive changes in their lives that improve their health. Debra has worked closely with a variety of clients, including individuals, athletes, celebrities, CEO's and private corporations.

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Congratulations Patti!

The John D. Erdlen Scholarship is awarded to the outstanding scholarship applicant. The scholarship is for $3000 is awarded to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university. In addition to the award the recipient also receives a one-year NEHRA student membership. The Erdlen Scholarship can be received by a previous scholarship winner.

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Application information is available by CLICKING HERE. All applications and required attachments must be received at the NEHRA office no later than September 6, 2011. Final applicants will be interviewed by the NEHRA College Relations Committee and winner will receive their award at the NEHRA Annual Awards Breakfast on September 22, 2011.

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