Stress, anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders are the leading causes in absenteeism today yet these are for the most part preventable. So why are Irish businesses literally working themselves in to the ground?
In an attempt to create a lean, efficient corporate machine, bonuses, perks and benefits have been axed left right and centre. In the midst of all this corporate wellness has found itself unfairly labelled a luxury rather than a fundamental part of healthy business. In addition to the lack of focus on employee health, the factors that negatively affect individual health (stress, anxiety, rapid change and additional workloads) have metastasised and grown exponentially.
Arthritis Ireland claim; The health of Ireland’s workforce is undermining our competitiveness.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) cause 50% of absences from work and costs the Irish economy €750 million annually. Early intervention and diagnosis could help keep workers fit for work for longer.
The human cost of work stress and strain has featured heavily in the media in light of the deaths at Foxconn and France Télécom last year. Penalties for non compliance and breach of EU health and safety guidelines pertaining to stress are at the discretion of each country. In the case of France Télécom this could be severe and end in massive fines and jail time for the parties involved not to mention the amount of bad feeling and bad press associated with the story. The state prosecution service in Besançon said that it was investigating France Télécom on suspicion of ''manslaughter through lack of care, inattention, negligence and failing to respect a duty of prudence''.
These are extreme case of course but what's to prevent a similar situation unfolding here? With blatant disregard for mental health and stress in workplaces by both employee and employer, it seems like only a matter of time.
So when the budget is nominal, minimal or non-existent what can be done in the face of rising absenteeism, presenteeism and low morale?
The ideal Work Life Balance plan has the support of the CEO, directors and decision makers; has appropriate funding when possible; a clear HR policy on Work Life Balance; comprehensive plans to deal with physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of
staff; constant re-evaluation taking in to account any changes in the business or organisation; and SMART objectives and benchmarking.
There are ways to improve Work Life Balance rapidly and at low or zero cost: Employee engagement is one of the key factors in improving staff morale. Involving a cross section of employees in discussion and brainstorming can shed new light on how simple alterations and implementations can make big changes to how people feel about their workplace.
Employee funded services are also an option. Work Life Balance offers a range of services including on site massage, fitness as well as stress and time management which can all be funded by employees, employers and can be fully or partially subsidised. For full details please visit www.myworklifebalance.ie A complimentary consultation on Work life Balance is also available. Take the time to create a Work Life Balance strategy. Can your company really afford not to?
Another really interesting post. It makes sense to take care of employees, particularly as stress, anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders can be caused by the workplace to begin with.
ReplyDeleteWithout understanding the Meaning of Work Life Balance you can't do your work easily and timely. So the best option is maintaining the balance. Thanks for sharing it.
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