The Pursuit of Workplace Happiness

February is National Wise Health Consumer Month!

Healthcare costs are on the rise for consumers and employers are looking for ways to decrease medical costs and increase worker productivity at the same time. Americans spend more of their waking hours at work than anywhere else and as a result our personal and professional lives are becoming more integrated. Recent research conducted by Gallup suggests that engaged employees are healthier than non – engaged employees, have higher levels of productivity and better quality lives. Engaged employees are considered to be motivated and enthusiastic about their organization’s mission, values and success. Those who are engaged have a greater sense of fulfillment and well – being.  

More companies are beginning to invest in employee wellness programs in an effort to boost physical and mental engagement, productivity and overall happiness. Not surprisingly, many engaged employees are more likely to be enrolled in employee wellness programs. According to Gallup, employees who are categorized as “thriving” have 41% lower healthcare costs than those who are “struggling”. In addition, the healthcare costs of “thriving” employees are a staggering 62% lower than employees who are “suffering”. 

Who is engaged and more productive and fulfilled at work? Gallup reveals that only 22% of American workers are engaged and have a strong sense of well – being. Are they really so much wiser than the rest of us? Turns out these employees have well balanced personal and professional lives. They are not as easily rattled either, primarily because all aspects of their lives are in order. Gallup finds these individuals are healthier, have stable relationships and are secure financially. In addition, these employees report less health problems, incur fewer healthcare costs to their employer and have 46% fewer “unhealthy days” due to physical or mental illness. 

Iowa State University launched a pilot wellness program, as part of a similar study, to assess if a program such as this, increases workplace productivity and decreases employer healthcare costs. The wellness program evaluated employees holistically; evaluating their physical, emotional and financial health. As part of the pilot program, employees completed a six month long course covering health, nutrition, fitness and finances. 

Dr. Tim Greisdorn, one of the creators of the pilot program and an assistant professor of human development, says that there is a strong connection between physical and financial well - being. It comes down to having a good sense of self control. Greisdorn suggests the ability to control what you eat, how you use your time and how you spend money is key to having a greater sense of well – being. The financial aspect of the program focuses on how to set financial goals, how to understand a credit score, eliminate debt and plan for retirement. Employees assessed their levels of financial stress. 60% reported average levels of stress while 15% reported high levels.

Employee engagement, health and finances all contribute to personal well – being. It’s necessary to address all aspects of an employee’s life to decrease healthcare costs, retain employees in the workplace and boost their overall well - being. In the coming year, more companies are offering wellness programs as part of the Affordable Care Act in order to lower healthcare costs. Check out what employee wellness programs your employer may offer to help integrate all aspects of your life. A wise consumer is a happy and productive employee!