The Business Case for Workplace Wellness

1
The Business Case for Workplace Wellness

• Stephanie Coldwell
• Psychologically Healthy Workplace Conference
• February 8, 2008

2
2001 Health Care Task Force

• We do not have a health care crisis
• We have a health crisis

3
HealthAction Committee

• The Health Action Committee leverages
  partnerships to develop and mobilize the
  leadership required to create and sustain a
  community of healthy workplaces.

4
2026
5
Health Expenditures By Age

• Annual average per person spending increases
  dramatically as age increases
• Under 65 1,847
• 65-75 7,859
• 75-85 15,172
• 85 28,003
• Estimates based on Health Canada Data

6
2026

• Annual average per person spending as estimated
  in 20 years
• Under 65 5,924
• 65-75 25,204
• 75-85 48,657
• 85 89,810

7
2026
8

• There is little left over for other programs that
  address the fundamentals that determine our
  health
• Education/literacy
• Employment/income
• Social support

9
Health Status

• Nova Scotia compared to other provinces
• Second incidence of cancer
• Second highest incidence of diabetes
• Third highest rate of high blood pressure
• Above average mortality rates due to
  cardiovascular disease

10
Lifestyle

• Less physically active population
• Significantly higher percentage of obese persons
• Eat fewer fruits and vegetable

11
Productivity Loss

• Based on work days lost, the loss in productivity
  to Nova Scotia due to illness or injury is 1.185
  billion
• Thats over 1200 per person.

12
Benefits of CWW

• Reduced absenteeism
• Lower health benefit costs
• Increased Productivity
• Improved Morale
• The bottom line
• Increased Business Competitiveness

13
Government can

• Publish an integrated long-term plan for
• human resources
• capital requirements and
• information systems
• Increase investment in evidence-based health
  promotion. Including
• Tax incentives for workplace wellness initiatives
• WCB Rate incentives for companies with workplace
  wellness programs

14
Business can

• Initiate a comprehensive workplace wellness
  program
• Integrate health and wellness in business
  strategy.
• Recognize the importance of the mental and
  spiritual health of employees and integrate this
  into wellness programs and business planning.

15
Individuals can

• Take active responsibility for our health.
• Increase physical activity,
• Follow the Canada Food Guide
• Ask employers to initiate wellness program at
  work
• Lobby elected officials for more emphasis on
  health promotion and long-term planning for
  health care.

16

• Thank you!