Workplace Health in the Contemporary Job Market: 6 Facts
Workplace health is always a top concern among companies and employees alike for a variety of reasons. Simply put, a safe workplace protects employees from injuries, illnesses, and accidents and is meant to preserve their well-being. Having a working environment that emphasizes the importance of health also strengthens employee morale, which in turn boosts their productivity. Another factor is that companies are incentivized to strictly comply with health and safety regulations to minimize legal liabilities and keep up their organization’s reputation.
When applicants choose what company to work in, workplace health should be among their main considerations. Similarly, companies should also emphasize their dedication to workplace health when conducting job hiring in the Philippines. To that end, here are some facts about workplace health in the current job market, particularly in the Philippines, to put some perspective into how essential health is in promoting positive workplace cultures in the country and in the region:
1) There Has Been an Increasing Emphasis on Mental Health Support
In 2018, the Philippines passed Republic Act 11036, also known as the Mental Health Act. This law aims to promote mental health and protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions. This has led the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue guidelines for companies to adopt mental health programs.
This increased emphasis on mental health support has consequently encouraged many companies operating in the country to prioritize mental health by offering employee assistance programs (EAPs), free counseling sessions, and stress management workshops. In addition, this move has highlighted mental health’s role in productivity and employee retention, which serves as further motivation for companies to focus on delivering ample mental health programs for their workforces.
2) Flexible and Remote Work Policies Are Gaining More Popularity than Ever
Flexible or work from home (WFH) setups became the norm for many office workers during the pandemic. Despite the worst of the pandemic being over, however, many companies still continue to allow WFH setups or at least offer hybrid work models to promote a healthier work-life balance among their employees.
Remote and hybrid setups are crucial in promoting workplace health as they reduce the stress of commuting, thus giving employees more time for family and personal activities. In addition, employees are more likely to be productive once their shift begins since they won’t be coming off a tiring commute. This change can contribute to better mental health and increased job satisfaction, particularly among employees working in companies located in congested cities.
3) Companies Are Investing More in Ergonomic Workplaces
According to an article by Yale Medicine, prolonged sitting can cause various health issues such as vascular problems, lower back pain, obesity, and even serious conditions such as heart problems and diabetes. This has influenced many companies to invest in ergonomic furniture and to design workplaces to reduce physical strain on their employees.
Among such ergonomic solutions are adjustable chairs to better support an employee’s sitting posture, sit-stand desks which offer flexibility in how desk work can be done to avoid prolonged sitting, and better lighting to ensure that employees won’t strain their eyesight while at work. This can greatly benefit roles where long hours are the standard, such as call centers or desk-bound jobs.
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4) Preventative Health Programs Are Becoming a Staple Among Companies
In addition to health maintenance organization (HMO) offers, many local companies are also rolling out preventative health programs for their employees to push for healthier workplaces. Among such programs include subsidized gym memberships, regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and nutrition workshops.
Preventative health programs aim to reduce sick days and healthcare costs while promoting a culture of wellness within the workplace. On the other side, these programs also reflect a competitive job market where employees prioritize employers that actively invest in their health and well-being.
5) Digital Health Solutions Are Picking Up
Even if employees don’t have the time to visit their doctors in physical clinics or in hospitals, they can still get medical consultations through digital health solutions. With the rise of telemedicine platforms such as KonsultaMD and AIDE, employees can now access doctors, therapists, and wellness coaches digitally.
This trend is particularly relevant for remote workers or those working in locations without immediate access to healthcare facilities. Some companies are also actively promoting or integrating telemedicine apps into the benefits they offer to encourage employees to make full use of them.
6) Workplaces Are Creating More Awareness Campaigns on Nutrition and Physical Activity
Awareness campaigns about health in the workplace are also a rising trend among companies. These are done, in particular, through active promotion of healthier eating and regular exercise. In line with this, some offices hire Zumba or yoga instructors to encourage physical activity among employees. These are often free, which makes them more inviting for employees to participate in.
In addition, company pantries are offering healthier snack options for those looking to improve their diet. These campaigns help combat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are prevalent among Filipino employees due to sedentary habits.
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Conclusion
As seen above, workplaces in countries like the Philippines are taking necessary steps to foster environments that prioritize employee health, enhance productivity, and promote long-term retention. The initiatives discussed above are just some important workplace health trends that job applicants and current employees alike should know about, all towards making smarter and healthier decisions when it comes to choosing the right employer.
