Optimise corporate wellbeing – your life may depend on it..

Growing adoption of corporate wellbeing programmes can be a lifeline for stressed, unfit and unhealthy employees – if only they make the most of it.

So says Liberty Health, a healthcare industry leader that is close to trends in this field following in-depth research prior to the recent launch of its Live Well programme.

Business imperatives drive the wellness programme trend, says Nick Gallimore, MD of Liberty Health, Consumer Marketing.

“Employers are influenced by issues such as productivity, optimisation of intellectual capital and talent retention,” he explains. “The business case is compelling, but so is the personal case for individual executives and staff members.

“Improved health and work-life balance can save marriages; even lives.Business goals are important, but it’s win-win when individuals embrace the concept for the benefit of themselves and their families.”

A comprehensive programme on the Live Well model complements a medical scheme by providing support in areas like physical health, , social and cultural dimensions, family dynamics and emotional wellbeing.

A key component is a 24/7 call centre to deliver professional and confidential service. Typical elements in a good wellness package include:

• Health and wellness support backed by individual assessments to identify risks associated with physical, emotional and lifestyle factors
• Personal risk management and monitoring
• Health days on an employer’s premises with health risk assessments and screening for cholesterol, blood glucose and weight management as well as many other services.
• Psychosocial support to alleviate work and home pressures
• Face-to-face counselling
• Lifestyle assistance support to deal with the day to day issues that take up employees time and create stress

Individual counselling may cover personal and family matters, relationships, work-related issues, debt worries and concerns around redeployment, redundancy and organisational change. Trauma and crime counselling can be supported by access to a specialist network of trauma counsellors.

Gallimore adds: “International Research shows the likelihood of absence from work is significantly higher for those with alcohol problems, drug problems, and family problems.

“There are compelling reasons for employers to implement programmes to address these issues, but the most immediate benefit is felt by the individual as professional help can be life-transforming.

“Pressured Individuals suddenly have a lifeline. Reaching for it is a sign you’re again taking charge of your life. It’s not an admission of weakness, but an affirmation that you are smart enough to optimise available resources. Tens of thousands have benefited from wellness programmes. It’s simply a matter of grabbing the opportunity.”