Fighting obesity leads to 'a more productive workforce'
Friday, 21 November 2008
Employers who help combat obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle for their staff will have a more productive workforce, a doctor says.
Businesses need to provide employees with healthy food choices in canteens and ensure soft drink machines have beneficial options, according to Dr Colin Waine.
Employers should develop a health and wellbeing strategy which can improve fitness, cut obesity and reduce sick days for their workers.
Mr Waine said around 25 per cent of the UK population is classed as obese and this level has trebled since the 1970s.
"Bigger organisations can consider introducing workplace activities. If you can reduce obesity among staff it will create a healthier workforce which in turn is more productive," he added.
More employees are taking part in workplace wellness initiatives as the number of employers offering them has doubled in the past year.
Wellbeing strategies are in place at 40 per cent of workplaces compared to 20 per cent last year, according to a global survey by human resource company Buck Consultants. 