Healthy pay-off is key
HEALTHY lifestyles in the workplace benefit employees and employers alike.
The Department of Health estimates that Australia’s healthiest employees are three times more productive at work than their less healthy colleagues, who are more likely to take time off work.
Loss in productivity because of absenteeism, attending work when sick and premature death is estimated to cost employers and the economy $6.4 billion a year.
Fitness chain founder Lorna Jane Clarkson agrees a healthy workplace is important.
Her own head office is a textbook example, with visitors greeted by activewear-clad staff at stand-up desks or enjoying a massage in their lunch break.
“We have an on-site gym they can use 24-7 and we have free classes before and after work,” Clarkson says. “In our kitchen we do cooking classes and demonstrations.
“We also have fruit bowls to encourage people to have healthy snacks, we have a netball team, and we do walks during lunch time.
“We encourage people who work for us to live that lifestyle.”
Clarkson says most staff at the head office opt for activewear over business attire in their day-to-day work.
“If you wear activewear you will be more active,” she says.
“They’ve done tests. If you wear normal clothes you don’t move your body as much. If you wear activewear you also make better food decisions.”
The company’s stand-up desks have also proved a hit.
Clarkson says they feel better for the spine.
“People talk about how much they love it,” she says.
“If your employees are healthy and happy, they are more productive and have less sick days.”
Clarkson says the difference between her employees and those in traditional workplaces is noticeable to everyone.
“Everyone is moving faster,” she says. “When people walk into the head office they comment about how positive the energy is in the place.”