Action needed on the health and wellbeing of Australian workers

New data has raised questions about the health and wellbeing of Australian workers.

Medibank has provided more than 17,000 workers across the country with kiosk-style health screening which tests blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), weight and body fat percentage.

The tests showed that 65 per cent of workers had blood pressure levels that were considered high or pre-high, one of the biggest risk factors for stroke.

More than 40 per cent of workers had a BMI that was classed as overweight or obese and 54 per cent had high or very high levels of body fat.

Medibank Chief Customer Officer David Koczkar said it was non-negotiable for companies to take an active role in their employees’ health and wellbeing.

“The health and safety challenges businesses face today are different to those from 10 years ago. Previously it was slips, trips and falls, now companies are dealing with mental health and obesity issues,” Mr Koczkar said.

“When you consider the amount of time we spend at work, the workplace plays a significant part in our overall health. People don’t leave their health issues behind when they go to work.”

A YouGov Galaxy Poll conducted in partnership with Medibank found 59 per cent of workers claim to be suffering some form of mental health issue or condition while 52 per cent of Australian workers have either taken or considered taking leave due to stress.

Medibank is partnering with 125 companies nationwide on the delivery of a range of programs to improve the health and wellbeing of their workforces.

“Healthier employees are happier and more productive, so it makes good business sense to invest in employee wellbeing. A focus on employee health and wellbeing can also help in attracting and retaining top talent,” Mr Koczkar said.

Medibank provides Executive Health Checks, access to health kiosks, mental health programs and preventative health screenings in the workplace.

Mr Koczkar said Medibank partners with organisations to support them to create a happy, healthy more engaged and productive workforce.

“Australians have been trusting us with their health for 40 years – and now we are doing more to help corporate Australia make a difference to their employees’ health and wellbeing,” he said.

Deloitte Chief Human Resources Officer Sam Sheppard said Deloitte is working with Medibank to get its 10,000 employees moving.

“We run a step-up challenge which forms an integral part of our approach to wellbeing, which includes physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing. “It creates the foundation for our safe and inclusive culture at Deloitte, empowering our people to be their best,” Ms Sheppard said.

Head of Culture and Reputation at Mirvac Chris Akayan said they are very conscious that people are more than our employees.

“We know, from their feedback, they are trying to achieve better work-life quality and integrate work around their lives, families, friends and fitness routines.

“In recent years, through Mirvac’s Thrive strategy, we’ve offered a range of wellbeing related initiatives and experienced a strong uptake of these opportunities and a positive impact on employee engagement.