Could supplements be the answer to staff sickness?
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantCorporate wellbeing is always an ongoing
issue, but could supplying your employees with health supplements be something
companies should consider, as suggested by nutritional supplement maker Pharma Nord UK?
The British workforce
are ‘fearing’
to take time off, meaning workers are reporting to work ill,
according to the Office for National Statistics. In 2017, the average employee
took 4.1 days off due to sickness, with members of the public sector said to
lose 3.3% of their working hours because of ill health.
However, Frankie
Brogan, a Senior Nutritionist for Pharma Nord states that this could be significantly lowered if companies
introduced the right nutritional approaches: “Companies are all for enhancing
their colleagues’ well-being. Whether it’s providing free gym facilities or
fruit bowls, looking after your workforce’s health can prove beneficial for
their productivity and morale.
“Supplements are a
great way to boost your team’s health and nutrition, which will in turn enhance
their performance. By offering supplements to your colleagues, they will also
benefit from the knowledge that you care for their well-being.”
A big concern for
businesses remains stress-related illnesses. A survey carried out by well-being
specialists, Forth, found that 85% of adults in the UK regularly experience
stress. There are many supplements that could help relieve your stress levels.
And supplements such CoQ10, for example, can contribute to normal cognitive
function.
Dry eyes from staring
at a computer are also often an issue for office workers. This problem can be helped by taking regular
screen breaks; but general hydration is also aided with Omega 7, which can also
help with irritated eyes.
Magnesium
supplements are something you could think about introducing due to the fact
magnesium can help with muscle and nerve function. Studies have found that this
mineral supports sleep and, as pointed out above, stress can be caused by
tiredness. While many workforces offer free tea and coffee facilities, magnesium
supplements could be a great opportunity to reduce fatigue in the workplace –
with a staggering 76% of the UK’s workforce claiming to be tired most weekdays.
Seasonal changes should
be factored in, too. Especially for those who work in an office-based role,
winter can leave us with a significantly low level of vitamin D due to the lack
of sunlight. This can mean that our immune system may falter as it’s not
getting the nutritional benefits required. Vitamin D3 s one supplement that can
contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system, therefore maintaining
a healthy workforce. In fact, public health advice for the UK even recommended
this supplement for a ‘top up’.
One in five of the
UK’s population have low vitamin D levels. For many of us, our diet simply
won’t provide sufficient levels of the nutrient, so the supplement can be a
quick and easy way to enhance our intake.
“While supplements
aren’t a ‘replacement’, they can be beneficial and provide nutritional
goodness,” added Brogan. “They are a
cost-effective way to support your immune system and enhance your overall
well-being.”
In the UK,
productivity levels are still lagging behind neighbouring countries. A well-being
process being put in place by companies could help engage staff, and increase productivity.
Of course, just offering supplements isn’t enough, but it can certainly help
towards creating a healthier workplace.
Other ‘perks’ being
used to reduce pressure levels include flexible working. This can help reduce
stress levels and promote a better work-life balance. According to a YouGov
survey, one in five workers are currently dissatisfied with their work-life
balance and complain about always being ‘switched on’. By allowing your staff
an element of flexibility you will show an understanding to their
circumstances, meaning they’ll be more likely to be fully productive on the
hours they are in work.
This also applies to
remote working, too. Technology is allowing more roles to be completed away
from the office, meaning working from a remote location is possible – and
sometimes preferred.
While supplements may
go under the radar as being one of the ‘top perks’ offered, they may well be
one of the most important. After all, a healthy workforce is a happy workforce,
and a happy workforce is a productive one.
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Created on Sep 18th 2019 03:15. Viewed 318 times.