Questions to Consider.....

• How would you rate the current health status of most staff in your workplace?
• What is the current level of productivity of employed staff and is there potential to improve this?
• Are staff frequently sick or injured, and therefore displaying a reduced capacity to work?
• Is it a stressful work environment and if so is this stress affecting the ability of staff to work efficiently?

Research has shown that healthier employees have:

• Reduced illness related absenteeism and presenteeism
• Reduced workers compensation and medical claim costs
• Improved work efficiency, employee engagement and morale
• Reduced stress levels

A recent Australian study found that increased presenteeism (when employees come to work in spite of illness) was significantly associated with high stress, life dissatisfaction, and back pain, while increased illness absenteeism was significantly associated with overweight, poor perception of health, and diabetes. All of these factors are associated with, and can be improved by making healthy lifestyle and behavioural changes.

An American study based on over 16 000 employees found that employer's mean annual per capita costs were higher for all diabetes beneficiaries than for control subjects ($7,778 vs. $3,367), yielding an incremental cost of $4,410 associated with diabetes. Considering our current ageing population and that diabetes currently affects over 700 000 Australians, preventing this disease could potentially save employers and the health care system a significant sum of money.

Evidence that Lifestyle Modification Programs are successful

Published evidence on the effectiveness of healthy lifestyle education programs in Australia found significant improvements after 12 months in the following parameters:

• Blood glucose levels
• Cholesterol levels
• Body weight and waist circumference
• Blood pressure

 Overall 75% of program participants experienced waist measurement reduction, and 68% experienced weight reduction.

Only 2.2% developed type 2 diabetes during the program and 18.1% reversed their risk to diabetes.

Lifestyle Modification Program available 

A free, confidential telephone-based service which helps people make lifestye changes is currently available. Participants will receive support from their own personal health coach who will assist with:

• Healthy eating
• Being physically active
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Developing personal health goals
• Creating action plans
• Maintaining motivation
• Identifying problem areas
• Creating solutions for successful lifestyle change

Refer your employees to www.gethealthynsw.com.au or have them call 1300 806 258 to get started!

Information for General Practices 

Information for Community Members

Information for Allied Health Professionals