Why poor employee health is costing you money

Employees that spend all day working at a desk and then have responsibilities to tend to outside of work may find it difficult to find time to hit the gym, eat right, or run a couple of miles.The result is employees that are unhealthy.A trend among companies to help encourage employees to be healthier is sweeping the United States.This is because unhealthy employees can actually cost companies more money than healthy employees.The reason this trend is spreading so quickly is because unhealthy employees are costing companies money in more ways than one.

Over-Stressed Employees

Another health concern that is costing companies money is stress.Many employees suffer from an inability to deal with stress.Over-stressed employees can have a difficult time making good decisions, performing high quality work, dealing professionally with coworkers or clients, and an array of other issues.Because of this inability to deal with stress, companies must pay extra because of mistakes made by over-stressed employees.Stress could even lead to mental health issues that will also cost the company in sick leave.

Employees that Smoke

Many companies have begun adopting no-smoking policies because smokers cost companies money.Some companies have even decided to fire all employees that are not willing or that are not able to quit.The negative effects of smokers surface in many areas of a business.For example, according to no-smoking.org restaurants in smoke free cities have a higher value when they are resold than similar restaurants in cities where smoking is allowed.Cleaning costs are also higher in offices where employees are free to light up.

Employees that smoke are more likely to call in sick, visit the doctor, and spread sickness at work than employees that do not smoke.This costs companies drastically because employees are not able to be as productive as they would be if they were healthy.Companies must also pay higher health insurance costs if they have employees that smoke because they are a higher risk to the insurance company.It is no kidding that companies around the country are encouraging smokers to quit their habit.

Obese Employees

Smoking is not the only health problem causing companies to spend more money because of employees.Obesity is also a concern in the workplace.Obese workers cost companies money in a couple of ways.First, obese workers are more likely to be unable to perform their job tasks.This is not because they are incapable as human beings, but rather because their obesity makes them more prone to diabetes and arthritis.In some severe cases, an employee's size may also make it difficult for them to perform their job functions.This limit in ability costs employers money because they must pay someone else to pick up the slack, whereas a healthy employee may be able to complete all of the job requirements with little difficulty

Companies stand to lose money because of many different health issues from which their employees may suffer.A bad smoking habit, obesity, or stress are just a few of the many different health issues that may plague employees and end up costing companies money.Companies stand to save both financially and in productivity by encouraging employees to stay healthy.Many companies have begun offering smoking cessation classes or group workouts.Larger corporations have installed gyms especially for their employees.The hope is that these preventative measures will help companies save money in the long run.