Taking Care of Yourself Is Important (a reminder)
A client and friend was limping pretty noticeably when I was recently onsite. That led to a conversation about his knees, pain, and how it sucks to get older. He then commented that he saw a physician and she wanted to do a knee replacement in two weeks. But my friend didn’t want to because of “all that was happening in the office.” I fought back with “you have to take care of yourself.” This was a reminder that getting medical care when needed, and also preventive care, is not only good for health, but good for a professional life.
Taking time for medical procedures and interventions is crucial for maintaining overall health, which directly impacts professional productivity and quality of life.
Preventive Care:
Impact: Regular screenings and preventive interventions can detect and address health issues before they become severe, reducing the likelihood of long-term absenteeism.
Statistics: According to a study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, preventive services can lead to a 65% reduction in emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
Professional Benefit: Employees who engage in preventive care are generally healthier and more energetic, contributing to higher productivity levels and fewer disruptions due to illness.
Early Intervention:
Impact: Early intervention for health issues, such as physical therapy for injuries or timely management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, can prevent complications.
Statistics: Research indicates that early intervention programs can reduce sick leave by up to 32% and lower health care costs by 26%.
Professional Benefit: Reducing the progression of diseases through early intervention minimizes the time away from work and helps maintain consistent performance levels.
Mental Health Interventions:
Impact: Addressing mental health through timely therapy or medication can significantly improve cognitive function, emotional stability, and stress management.
Statistics: A report from the Center for Prevention and Health Services estimates that addressing treatment for depression has a return on investment of $2.30 for every dollar spent, largely due to improved productivity and reduced absenteeism.
Professional Benefit: Mental clarity and improved handling of work pressures enhance decision-making skills and creativity, leading to better job performance.
These benefits are more about the professional than the person. But the statistics also signal a strong benefit for the employer and society as well…
Reduced Long-Term Costs:
Regular health maintenance reduces the likelihood of requiring expensive, extensive medical interventions later, which can be financially beneficial both for employees and employers.
For employers, investing in health benefits and time off for medical care can result in lower overall health care costs due to reduced emergencies and chronic disease management.
Increased Employee Engagement:
Employees who feel their health is valued by their employer are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. This increases morale and decreases turnover rates.
A study from Gallup found that engaged teams show 21% greater profitability due to high employee engagement influenced by supportive health policies.
Enhanced Reputation:
Companies known for prioritizing employee health are more attractive to top talent, enhancing their reputation and competitive edge in the labor market.
While the above data and information is really incontrovertible for both the individual and the organization, there is something more. My friend is in pain. Just walking. Just sitting. And life is short. And when there are remedies out there that offer a better quality of life, we have to take advantage of them no matter what is happening back in the office.
