Is your business Nutritionally Fit?

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Wellfare’s 2018 report there is an alarming 63% of Australians that are now overweight or obese and 50% of these are living with a Chronic condition such as diabetes, heart conditions or arthritis.

This indirect cost to employees due to lost time at work through sick days and doctor’s appointment is having a far-reaching effect with absenteeism from work reported to be costing businesses and the Australian economy in excess of $7 billion dollars each year and with presenteeism – employees being at work but not functioning at their optimal due to lack of sleep, medical conditions and stress related factors - in excess of $26 billion dollars.

What is an even worst statistic is that this does not have to be the case. Many of the chronic conditions that are causing this drain to the economy such as the aforementioned diabetes and arthritis can both be significantly improved through a tailored diet, lifestyle, nutrition and exercise plan.

According to the ABS data, 35% of full-time workers are spending between 40 – 45 hours per week at work, and another 35% are working between 45 – 49 hours per week. With being time poor the main excuse for lack of involvement in physical activity and lack of knowledge about nutrition and cooking skills for a lack of nutritious food consumed. It is now more vital than ever that companies invest in their employees’ health and wellbeing to change these statistics and help minimise and reduce the impact of this on not only their businesses but the national economy.

A good corporate wellbeing program not only promotes and encourages a healthy lifestyle but also group involvement and team bonding leading to not only a more focused and energised workforce but also a more cohesive team environment leading to a more driven, focused and effective workforce.

The BizFit Corporate Wellbeing program that I run caters to the individual business’ needs so as to be able to see how effectively improve the culture and health of that business. It offers nutrition workshops and talks on stress management, the importance of sleep, nutrition cooking classes as well as health coaching with nutrition and diet consultations and group and personal training.