Why Corporate America Should Invest in Employee Health and Fitness

43

Very rarely have employees across America thought that the activities of work and exercise go hand-in-hand. But these days, that notion is beginning to change and employee health and fitness is starting to become a priority.

As the 21st century continues to unfold in its fast-paced manner, corporations are realizing that the company’s future growth is highly dependent on the health and fitness of its employees.

Every corporation struggles to maintain its niche and relevance in its market, while still caring for and appreciating its employees. But the truth is that overweight and unhealthy employees cost corporations an astronomical amount in sick days, reduced productivity, and health premiums. Corporations need to invest in healthy lifestyle 5 times more money than they are right now in order to get their maximum net profit.

For this reason, many corporations today are more aware of the benefits of having a healthy team and promoting fitness and healthy nutrition within their business practices. A growing trend within companies is to offer its employees incentives or other rewards for attending exercise classes regularly or losing weight within a given time period. Some companies are even offering partial payments for gym memberships or discounts at businesses that sell pre-packaged healthy meals.

The heightened benefits and proof of successful investment include:

  • Healthier, more productive working employees
  • Lower stress levels
  • Lower turnover / higher employee retention rates
  • Fewer sick days
  • Lower insurance premiums
  • Protection of a company’s greatest asset – the employee
  • Higher self-esteem and a greater team-building mentality
  • Increased energy and vitality in the workplace
  • A more optimistic, positive attitude
  • A greater eagerness to succeed and lead, along with the energy to do so
  • Improvement in family life brings improvement into the workplace
  • Greater community synergy, greater company synergy

Examples of the costs of an unhealthy workforce:

  • Annual cost of a “healthy” diabetic: $3,150
  • Average cost of a heart attack: $15,700
  • Average cost of a stroke patient: ~$45,000
  • Corporate wellness statistics depict a savings of $2.30 to $10.10 for every $1 spent on wellness initiatives.

Based on these statistics, we can conclude that the money corporations spend on employees’ unhealthy lifestyle is so high that it can determine the future existence of the company and standing of the employees’ job security. On the other hand, if the company did not have such astronomical health costs, that money could be used for improving the quality of the workplace, more benefits for the employees, and possible higher income.

Not only do corporations have great benefits from aiding their employees in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but employees themselves also have tremendous benefits with a healthier lifestyle:

  • Stronger heart and lungs
  • Increased bone density
  • Reduced stress
  • Weight loss
  • Reduced risk of heart disease and some types of cancer
  • Temporary relief from depression and anxiety
  • More self-confidence
  • Better sleep
  • More energy, stamina and positive attitude
  • Setting a good example for your kids to stay active as they get older

With this being said, corporations and the healthy lifestyle of its employees goes hand-in-hand with the healthier and more productive society of the 21st century. As we all age, physical and mental fitness is sometimes taken for granted and suddenly there is a problem that could have been rectified in a proactive manner instead of a reactive manner. Using the proactive approach of offering health and fitness guidance to employees ensures both monetary profit and emotional gain to the employer, the employee and the family unit when handled with care and respect for the wishes and best interest of both parties.

Encouraging employees to live a healthier lifestyle outside of work is a behavior that will transfer into the workplace and make an excellent environment for all concerned! The corporate benefits in net profit will mirror the benefits to the employees in “health profit.” With a healthy lifestyle – meaning physical fitness, a healthy diet and spiritual balance – we can manage, control or completely avoid 60-70% of known illnesses.

Previous articleThe Top 10 American Cities with Drug Problems
Next articleComing soon: “The Top Wellness Programs of the Fortune 500 2019”
Samir Becic
Samir Becic is a world-renowned health and fitness expert. Named the “Fitness Czar” by the City of Houston in 2018, he is also the author of the HarperCollins book ReSYNC Your Life, founder of Health Fitness Revolution Magazine, 4 x #1 Fitness Trainer in America by Bally Total Fitness, and creator of the ReSync Fitness Method. The Mayor of Houston and the 16 City Council Members proclaimed January 10th, 2023 as the official “Samir Becic Day” in the City of Houston. In May 2023, he was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden, recognizing his invaluable contributions to society. In December 2023, Samir received a United States Congressional proclamation from the Historic 18th District for his prolific advocacy of physical fitness as an instrument for improving America’s health and his decade-long commitment to motivating the United States Congress. Samir’s impact extends beyond accolades; his work has graced the pages of numerous top-tier media outlets. His vibrant presence and powerful motivational skills have solidified his status as a luminary in the health and fitness domain. -Received a United States Congressional proclamation from the Historic 18th District in December 2023 for his influential role in the community and dedication to fitness advocacy -Bestowed a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in May 2023 from President Joe Biden for his commitment to philanthropy and volunteering -January 10th, 2023 proclaimed as the official "Samir Becic Day" by Mayor Sylvester Turner and the 16 City of Houston Council Members for Samir's advocacy of health and fitness in America  -November 1st, 2022 proclaimed as the official "Samir Becic Day" by Mayor Sylvester Turner for Samir's service during his 4 years as the official "Fitness Czar" for the City of Houston and 20 years as a health advisor to previous Mayors -Official Fitness Czar for the city of Houston proclaimed by Mayor Sylvester Turner  -Named the “Best Fitness Trainer in the World” by two-time NBA Championship coach and Olympic gold medalist Rudy Tomjanovich -Named Top 40 "American Dream" immigrant -Chosen among the Top 6 "American Dream" immigrants for a collaborative panel between Interfaith Ministries and Houstonia Magazine -“#1 Fitness Trainer in the World,”- 4 times by Bally Total Fitness -#1 Fitness Trainer in Texas,”- 22 times by Bally Total Fitness -#1 Fitness Trainer in Houston”- 29 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Best of the Best Fitness Trainer”- 2 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Best Fitness Director”- 2 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Men’s Journal Top Fitness Trainer in America” -“Houston Health Warrior” by Health & Fitness Sports Magazine  -“The Motivator” by the Houston Chronicle

43 COMMENTS

Leave a Reply