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The Benefits of Health in the Workplace

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The Benefits of Health in the Workplace
The Benefits of Health Promotion in the Workplace

Abstract When researching the phrase “health promotion in the workplace”, millions of results are returned. Of those many results, one can observe that many people have different meanings of what a “healthy” workplace should be and what types of programs can help with promoting healthy activities. This paper explores the benefits of health promotion in the workplace while focusing on the definition of what health promotion is, how the health of employees is as important as their safety, and what the advantages are of health promotion in the workplace. It is also intended to examine the literature found on healthy workplaces, the interrelationships between physical and mental health of workers, and the benefits of implementing such programs. The findings on this topic suggest that promoting these programs and methods in the workplace will be very advantageous because it is able to generate savings by keeping and maintaining employees healthy. Healthy employees mean productivity will be at a high. The National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) believes that research has shown that “these programs can change employees’ behavior, improve their biometric risk profile and work productivity, reduce use of and spending for health care services, and achieve a positive return on investment” (Schoenman, 2011).
Keywords: health promotion, workplace health, benefits of health promotion, wellness programs

The Benefits of Health Promotion in the Workplace
Over many years, researchers have demonstrated that workplace health promotion has increased its importance as a contributing factor of Americans improving their health. Healthy employees mean a healthy workforce which then equals to higher productivity. Besides protecting the safety and well being of employees, companies should begin promoting employee health and wellness by giving opportunities for continuing good health and enhanced



References: Baase, Catherine M., Burton, Wayne N., Hartenbaum, Natalie P., Hymel, Pamela A., Hudson, T. Warner, Konicki, Doris L., Larson, Paul W., Loeppke, Ronald R., McLellan, Robert K., Mueller, Kathryn L., Roberts, Mark A., Yarborough, Charles M. (2011). Workplace Health Protection and Promotion: A New Pathway for a Healthier—and Safer—Workforce. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 53 (6), 695-702. Goetzel, Ron Z. and Ozminkowski, Ronald J. (2008). The Health and Cost Benefits of Work Site Health-Promotion Programs. The Annual Review of Public Health 29, 303-23. Heubeck, Elizabeth. Workplace Stress and Your Health: Experts explain the dangers of work-related stress and provide solutions. Retrieved from http://men.webmd.com/features/work-stress Lastowka, Lauren. (2011, January 11). 8 Ways to Promote Wellness in the Workplace. Retrieved from http://www.inc.com/guides/2011/01/8-ways-to-promote-wellness-in-the-workplace.html Mathis, R.L., & Jackson J. H. (2011). Human Resource Management. (13th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning. Schoenman, Julie A. (2011). Building a Stronger Evidence Base for Employee Wellness Programs. The National Institue for Health Care Management Research and educational Foundation.

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