National Wellness Survey shows Atlantic province employers are most likely to
offer Worksite Wellness Initiatives
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Employees are an organization's most valuable asset, and their health and well-being is particularly important during a slowdown in the economy when work and home stress often increase. Ninety-six per cent of Atlantic province organizations surveyed are offering at least one wellness initiative.
"Wellness programs are even more important during difficult economic times like the one
It is also interesting to note that the health risks affecting employees in Atlantic provinces presented some very different results as compared to the rest of the country. While the top health risk in Atlantic Provinces, work-related stress, was consistent with national results, it is a concern to a much lesser extent (58.9 per cent vs. 71 per cent). Also, the health risk concerns obesity, poor nutrition and smoking are identified to a greater degree in this region of the country. Specifically:
- In Atlantic Canada, obesity tied as the second ranked health concern with 57.1 per cent of respondents indicating it as an issue. Obesity was ranked as the number seven concern nationally with 39 per cent of respondents indicating this is a health risk. - Smoking was identified as the third highest health risk concern (53.6 per cent) by Atlantic province organizations. Smoking was ranked fifth nationally with 42.4 per cent of organizations indicating it is a health concern. - Poor nutrition was ranked as the fifth highest health concern (46.4 per cent) in Atlantic Canada. Nationally, poor nutrition was ranked tenth (31.2 per cent), a substantial difference of 15 per cent.
Despite these results, and the fact that this region has the highest percentage of employers among all regions offering wellness initiatives, the programs offered by employers do not target the most prevalent health risks.
"Results of the survey are encouraging, particularly in Atlantic
While any wellness initiative offering is a good start, only organizations that are strategic about their offerings will experience the common benefits of worksite wellness programming - an increase in employee health and morale and a decrease in absenteeism and presenteeism.
"Wellness initiatives are challenging and complex to manage, so those that are not properly managed will likely not generate their anticipated benefits," says
About Buffett & Company's National Wellness Survey Report 2009:
The 2009 survey report, sponsored by Pfizer Inc. and Sun Life Financial, is an analysis of the status of worksite wellness and health promotion in
The survey report is being released in conjunction with Canada's Healthy Workplace month (
About Buffett & Company Worksite Wellness Inc.
Buffett & Company Worksite Wellness Inc. is a leading Canadian consulting firm that specializes in worksite wellness and health promotion. Located in Whitby, Ontario, Buffett & Company has a network of professional associates throughout the country. Clients include major private sector corporations, large, medium, and small-sized public sector employers, unions and not-for-profits. Buffett & Company is the only organization in the worksite wellness industry to win the National Quality Institute's Award of Excellence - the Healthy Workplace Trophy.
For further information: Sarah Cook, [email protected], Tel: (905) 666-1347 ext. 224, Toll Free: 1-800-483-7567, Cell: (905) 409-3724
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