Work efficiency and lifestyle

Reference

Burton WN, Edington DW, Schultz AB. Lifestyle Medicine and Worker Productivity. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2020 Aug 19;15(2):136-139. doi: 10.1177/1559827620948008. eCollection 2021 Mar-Apr.

Have you ever thought that your lifestyle could affect your job performance? The authors of the article below (Lifestyle Medicine and Worker Productivity) asked this question last year when they published an interesting literature review on the subject.

In brief, a poor state of health due to excess weight, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle or sleep disorders, is not only linked to personal health care costs but also has work-related economic implications. The latter are consequences of temporary or permanent disabilities, as well as of absenteeism. In the past, absenteeism was mainly due to accidents, temporary illnesses such as the seasonal flu, or taking care of a sick relative (see Italian law 104/92 on disability). Other lifestyle-related health conditions now seem to be the leading cause, slowing down the pace of work and increasing claims for compensation related to injury and illness.

A high BMI, resulting from overweight or obesity, is certainly a primary risk factor. Excess weight plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, neurological and metabolic pathologies (both acute and chronic), and musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. low back pain), which seem to be a major cause of lost productivity in terms of missed workdays.

Smoking is another example. The economic cost of smoking is almost split in half between worker health care and reduced performance due to increased work accidents and “cigarette breaks“.

It should be noted that adherence to physical activity programs once or, even better, twice a week has shown a measurable increase in productivity and fewer sick days.

Drug and alcohol abuse or mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are similarly related to absenteeism and slowed productivity, as is lack of sleep (<7-8 hours). The latter, as one can imagine, leads to a greater risk of injury.

Some research has shown that changing these habits has measurable effects on health and increases general productivity, leading to significant overall economic savings.

In conclusion, lifestyle medicine and workplace wellness share the same objectives: to reduce risk factors, increase physical and mental health and, at the same time, improve worker performance.

One more reason to invest in prevention, don’t you think?

Author: Agatino Sanguedolce