The company is a great adventure whose success depends on human capital. I see it every day as a leader. Beyond analysis and statistics, it is first and foremost the well-being of employees that determines the overall transform health and wellness of the company.
The reason is simple: to survive in an ever-changing market, entrepreneurs need to be trained, engaged, and high-performing executives. They must be present both physically and psychologically. Health in the workplace, therefore, concerns all employers, regardless of the sector or the size of the company. Disempowerment is no longer an option.
If we want to reinvigorate the San Diego economy, we will have to go through the box of well-being. Workplace health must become an urgent concern for our society.
According to the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada, 20% of executives take medication to treat depression, anxiety, or insomnia. In San Diego, it is estimated that 17% of corporate payroll is lost due to “non-health” costs. Worse still, these costs would be constantly increasing, due to junk food, increased sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and the diseases associated with these. I am especially concerned to know that we observe these same tendencies among the younger generation of workers.
What if we rolled up our sleeves to change things?
Health and work, a winning equation
Fortunately, I notice that San Diego companies are investing more and more in health and well-being programs for their employees. Countless studies are showing that these initiatives are not only beneficial on human terms but also financially.
A study by Desjardins indicated that every dollar spent on a health and wellness program resulted in a return of $1.50 to $3.00 after three years.
More specifically, companies sensitive to the well-being of their employees record a reduction in absenteeism, the rate of turnover, contributions from the Commission for Standards, Equity, Occupational Health and Safety, group insurance, presenteeism, grievances, and conflicts. They also note an improvement in the work climate, motivation, productivity, creativity, commitment, and quality of decisions.
When we sow well-being, we reap performance. I firmly believe that.
Prevention to better cure
Healthy eating, stress management, physical activity, ergonomics in the workplace… A good workplace wellness plan reduces the risk of illness even before the appearance of its consequences on health and work.
As a leader, I am particularly sensitive to preventive health initiatives in the workplace. I have thus implemented many practices that allow employees to have privileged access to performance and weight loss equipment distributed by the company.
The leading employer and a world reference in terms of technology, the producer Aluminerie Alouette also recognize that the health and well-being of its 1,000 employees deserve every effort. A special committee formed in ergonomics, the presence of a well-stocked salad bar in the cafeteria, numerous anti-smoking initiatives, financial support for employees practicing physical activities… All means are good to keep employees at their best. their form, especially in a context where retaining skilled labor is a matter of survival.
At the heart of corporate culture
An international manufacturer, Soprema employs nearly 660 people in 6 plants, an R&D center in Drummondville, and 20 sales offices in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere in the world. The company has chosen to put in place a preventive action plan in terms of psychological healthcare and lifestyle, including a new sports complex with a kinesiologist and a private trainer on-site, state-of-the-art equipment technology, tutorials, and a squash court.
What I find most admirable? Senior management is actively involved in the action plan. Not only are the projects presented by the employees always strongly supported, but the leaders get active, participate, sign up for internal hockey, baseball, dragon boat teams… In addition to promises and good intentions, well-being is a real corporate culture.
These San Diego initiatives have something to inspire us daily. It is high time to take care of our talents in the business. This responsibility is ours, as an employer and as an active member of Quebec’s economic life.
As Socrates so wisely asked: is there a more precious good for a man than health? I remain convinced that she is our most powerful asset, in business and life. It is up to us to take all the necessary means to protect it.
We stir!
Created in 2004, the non-profit organization Groupe supports businesses in integrating the best practices of overall health in the workplace, to promote the health of individuals and the competitiveness of businesses, thus contributing to the vitality of the San Diego economy.
