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Encouraging corporate wellness maintenance
Companies that invest time and resources in a company-based wellness culture, with the focus on "maintenance" rather than "repair", can expect major returns on investment. Upbeat, energetic employees result in a healthy, relaxed environment with less absenteeism.
Recent statistics, which are the result of a Corporate Absenteeism Management Solutions (CAMS) survey of 60 South African companies with more than 7000 employees over the course of a year, reveal that sick absenteeism costs South Africa about R19 billion per year.
To combat this, employers should show a genuine interest in the health of their employees and encourage them to take ownership of their health, with an increase in awareness and lifestyle change with a strong focus on stress management. Clinix Health Group, a South African healthcare provider, has recently introduced a corporate wellness programme, which is being presented to a number of large corporates in the Gauteng region.
The programme includes a once-off visit to the company by hospital representatives, where employees receive free tests for cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels. In addition information is provided on HIV/AIDS, meningitis, hypertension, heart diseases, etc. Optometrists will conduct eye tests, Weighless carries out Body Mass Index (BMI) tests, a dentist conducts dental screening and the Cancer Association will be handing out information on various forms of cancer and related treatments.
"Executives are concerned about their health and overall wellness of mind, spirit and body," says Fanus van Huyssteen, COO of Clinix Health Group. "Health testing, whether it is for blood pressure or HIV/AIDS, is important to empower you with the necessary information to take appropriate preventative or remedial action."
Already the corporate wellness programme has had a very positive response with companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Johannesburg Water, Department of Correctional Services and Pikitup signing up for a healthier workforce.
The programme is part of each Clinix hospitals' general service offering and is free of charge. However, the Clinix Health Group does have a strong Occupational Healthcare division, which provides the full range of occupational health services to companies on an ongoing basis, such as monitoring government legislation and regulations, advising management on compliance requirements, conducting medical surveillance. Medical records of the workers are examined per appointment, and also examined on retirement or resignation filed.
