Experts harp on improvement of corporate wellness programmes

If adequate efforts are not made to improve individual and corporate wellness activities, particularly by employers of labour across the country, organisational loss to health problems may not see meaningful reduction, experts have said.

The Experts, who gathered at the inaugural lifestyle seminar organised by Dennis Ashley Wellness Centre in Lagos, said managing loss, particularly from absenteeism and sick leave, as well as healthcare cost must be prioritised in the face of current economic bleak.

Managing Director of the organisation, Chima Oti, who said the seminar aimed at educating and empowering Nigerians on their healthcare, stated that employers would improve productivity and trim down loss if adequate wellness activities are enforced in organisations.

“Only a healthier person can work effectively. In a recession, people always say they must find way to save money. If your workforce is healthier they will work better, so people must not see the time of recession as the time to cut down on healthcare,” he said.

Oti urged people not to only leave the responsibility of wellness to employers, advising that people must become their own doctors by taking preventive measures that would make them live longer.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially through corporate wellness programmes could boost employee morale and thus reduce staff turnover, ‎a Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant, Olubanke Claude-Wilcox said at the event.

Claude-Wilcox, who said increased employee morale, would further perk up productivity and profits, added that reduced staff turnover could also save organisations time and money spent on re-training new recruits.

Speaking on ‘How Going Green Keeps You From Going In The Red’, she said people must engage in regular exercise, eat balance diet, drink moderately and avoid smoking to stay healthy.

Considering current global challenges, She said “we must all agree that more than ever, we need to be more conscientious about how we spend our money.

A Senior Physiotherapist, Nkiru jibuaku, speaking on Physical pain at work,money down the drain?, noting that cases of physical pain is on the increase, said: “Because of the great costs associated with back pain and musculoskeletal disorders, employers should invest in their employees’ health before an injury occur.

“The employer is responsible for providing a safe place of work, sound ergonomic principles, proper training for all employees, and a clear focus on safety focus within all levels of the organization”.