Dr. Brian CharlesBSc. MBBS MSc. DM (Emerg. Med), SCM

Emergency PhysicianManaging Director,

Sandy Crest/Coverley Medical Centres

Increasing Productivity;

The importance of health and wellness

Objectives

• Definitions

• Is there a problem? If so, of what magnitude?

• Solutions and recommendations

But What are we talking about?

• Productivity

• Wellness

The Productivity Cycle

Causes of uncertified absenteeism

• Perceptions of procedural justice

• Commitment

• Job Satisfaction

• Weather

• Personal Errands

Root Causes of Absenteeism

Causes of Certified absenteeism

• Physical health

• Work-family/family-work conflicts

• Need for improvement in management practices

• Rapid changes in the industry generating stress

Root Causes of Absenteeism

Presenteeism

National Insurance Scheme Data

YearSickness Benefits Paid ($ BDS)

• 2005

• 2006

• 2007

• 2008

• 2009

• No disaggregation by disease

• 21,430,656

• 15,741,860

• 19,030,204

• 24,817,172

• 23,863,708

Factors affecting productivity

• Illness; particularly the NCDs

• Fatigue (often caused by poor sleep)

• Lack of exercise

• Dehydration

• Stress

• NCDs account for more than 60% of the health budget - QEH: 65% budget: BDS (>$50M): Most on diabetes and hypertension

• Estimated to consume more that 5% GDP

• The major causes of illness and death in Barbados – 7 out of every 10 deaths

• One quarter of all adults have an NCD

• The common risk factors are physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke, poor diet and harmful use of alcohol

Summary of the Impact of NCD's

National NCD Commission

What are the chronic non communicable diseases (NCDs)

• Cardiovascular Disease – hypertension, heart attack and stroke

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Cancer – prostate, breast, cervix and colorectal

• Pulmonary Disease

Risk factors for NCDs

Non-Modifiable (20-30%) Modifiable (70-80%)• Age

• Sex

• Ethnicity

• Genetic susceptibility/ family history

• Exposure to tobacco (primary and secondary)

• Harmful use of alcohol

• Lack of physical activity and exercise

• Unhealthy diets e.g. high in saturated fat, cholesterol, salt and simple sugars, low fruit and vegetable intake

NCDs are Preventable • 80% of chronic disease excluding cancer is

preventable using simple lifestyle interventions

• 30-40% of cancers are preventable using simple lifestyle interventions

• 50 % of chronic disease occurs in persons < 70 years old

• 80% of recorded death occur in middle and lower income countries

NCDs and productivity• Absenteeism (certified and uncertified sick days)

• Board certified (medically unfit)

• Disability (temporary or permanent)

• Time away from work accessing the health service

• Limited/reduced output at work

• Burden on the caregiver and family

WHAT IS WELLNESS?• The quality or state of being healthy in body

and mind.

• An approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and improving quality of life, and by extension improving the ability to meaningfully provide for self and others.

WHAT DIMENSIONS DOES WELLNESS INCORPORATE?

Six Dimensions:

• Physical

• Social

• Intellectual

• Emotional and Spiritual

• Environmental

• Occupational

OUTCOMES PERFORMANCE

YOUR SPACE!Work place safe

• Parking

• Security

Up to standards

• Lighting

• Ergonomics

• Clean

• No toxins, etc.

Smoke-free work place

LET’S GET PHYSICALPhysical Activity

• On-site fitness centers

• Discounts to local gyms

• Signs supporting taking the stairs

• Activity groups (running, walking, swimming, biking, snorkeling, diving)

• Time off to exercise

• Subsidize local run/walks

• Incentive programs

• Discounted/subsidized personal training

LET’S GET PHYSICALNutrition

• Healthy meals in the cafeteria

• Healthy items in the vending machines

• Water available at all times

• Health food at meetings

• Nutrition education

• Healthy recipes

• Cooking demonstrations

• Taste testings

• Meals to go

LET’S GET PHYSICALPhysical Health

• Health screenings – cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, BMI, osteoporosis, body composition

• Vaccinations – flu shots, Hepatitis B, etc.

• Age appropriate screenings

• Smoke free workplace

• Annual well checks

• Employee Health Offices

• Family Health Fairs

• Self Care Guides

COMMUNICATION

• Communicate with employees

• Communicate with upper management

• Share successes

• Share results

• Share goals and direction

• Create a quarterly report and annual report

HEART AND SOUL

• Employee Assistance Programs

• Pastoral Care

• Stress management programs and skills

• Ability to attend support groups – or have them in the workplace

• Quiet rooms

• Supportive policies

• Volunteerism

GET SMART

• Tuition reimbursement

• Flex schedules to go to school

• Mentoring programs

• Educational programs at work

• Job sharing

• Partnerships with local schools and universities

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

• Employee Activity Groups

• Holiday parties

• Charity walk/runs

• Potluck lunches

• Discounts to local events

• Building networks, partnerships and trust

WHAT WORKS

• Begins in this room

• Designated drivers

• Evidence-based practice

• Constant messaging with fresh content

• Patience

Thank You