Why healthy employees should matter to you

More and more business owners are beginning to realize that keeping their employees healthy is not only a good thing to do but can actually increase the productivity and profitability of their business. Not to long ago employees were seen as an expendable resource that could simply be replaced. However, today savvy business owners understand that for long term success it is vital to invest resources that will keep their employees healthy. The good news is that there has never been more ways to do this. Here is why healthy employees should matter to you-

- Healthy employees use less sick time-It is a true "catch 21" because employers need to offer sick days in order to attract good employees. However, the use of sick days does nothing to further the profitability of your business. The bottom line is that healthy employees use less sick time which is money that comes out of your bottom line. Studies show that investing in ways to keep your employees healthy cost a lot less then offering sick time to a less then healthy workforce.
- Healthy employees use less health insurance-This reason seems obvious because the less you are sick, the less you use your health insurance. However, it goes even deeper then that. Healthy employees are more likely to practice preventive care which reduces the chance of getting something more serious. Employers are facing astronomical cost in health insurance so when their workforce is using less health insurance it benefits everyone in overall lower costs. Again, just like other employee related issues employers are finding that the money they save in reduced insurance premiums is far greater then the cost of helping their employees become healthier.
- Healthy employees have higher morale and greater job satisfaction-The bottom line is that if you want high productivity rates at your company then you need happy employees. Studies have clearly shown a connection between on the job satisfaction and healthy employees. Putting in programs that will help your employees get and stay healthy lets them know that you have their best interest at heart. When employees feel that their employer actually cares about them they are far more likely to feel happy on the job and want to work harder. This increases productivity and improves the overall profitability of the company.
- Healthy employees have less accidents-Many on the job accidents are traced back to employees who may not be feeling their very best. When employees are less then healthy they are more prone to make mistakes, be less aware, and assume more risk. This can lead to costly and life changing on the job accidents. It is crucial that employees understand that connection between health and safety. When your employees are healthy they are less inclined to be involved in accidents that can cost money, take up valuable time, and carry potential legal ramifications.
- Healthy employees will stay with your company longer-The bottom line is that healthy employees are more inclined to stay with your company longer. Because the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees is so high any measures that can retain your healthy employees should be put into place. When your employees feel that their employer cares about their health they not only develop higher job satisfaction but a loyalty that has them sticking with the company. This can only help your company grow and succeed when it has employees who are truly invested in its success.
The bottom line is that if you want to improve your bottom line investing in programs and measures that help improve employee health will help your company. Savvy business owners understand that their employees are the most valuable resource and will do what it takes to help them get healthy and stay healthy.