More and more Philippine companies are recognizing the impact of employee wellness to doing business more sustainably. In line with this, the Department of Health (DOH) urges the workplaces to “Go4Health” and prioritize promoting healthy lifestyle among their employees
The Labor Force Survey conducted by the National Statistics Office showed there are approximately 37.94 million employed Filipinos as of January 2013. This number, which translates to 92.9% of the population, is at risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to DOH, NCDs are noninfectious and slow-progressing, such as heart diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes. The health department warns that if not addressed, NCDs have the potential to cripple the Philippine workforce and even the economy.
The bottom line: healthier employees mean less sick days and better work performance. “Most of us are motivated to be on top of our game. However, we usually leave health out of the equation,” said Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona. “What we want everyone to know is that if we work together, we can beat NCDs. These diseases are highly preventable through regular exercise, a proper diet, and the prevention and cessation of drinking and smoking,” he added.
Dr. Anthony Leachon, DOH consultant for NCDs, points to unhealthy choices as the risk factors for these “lifestyle diseases.” He added that the rigors and stress of a demanding job can lead employees to make poor lifestyle choices. “The problem is the environment,” said Dr. Leachon. “If we can’t control our environment so that it empowers and encourages people to make healthy choices, we will be a slave to vices. NCDs are problems of national importance. To solve these, we need to change the environment.”
NCDs are the now world’s leading cause of death, claiming more than 36 million lives each year. Even more alarming is the finding that NCDs are common among those in their productive life stage. “It is now a disease of the young,” said Dr. Leachon.
“In the workplace, we hear of colleagues who suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes, or who pass away because of stroke, cancer or heart attack,” said Dr. Leachon, “What we fail to recognize is how our environment shape these choices. This is where institutions, such as workplaces, can make a difference in the lives of our most important asset—our employees.”
“Adopting healthy options is always a personal choice,” he added. “We can show our employees that a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for them in multiple ways, including their ability to enjoy work.”
The DOH also believes there is no single way to approach health programs in the workplace. Health promotion activities such as company-sponsored fitness programs, nutrition classes, canteens offering healthy food options, and health check-ups are only some of the institutional efforts being practiced in some workplaces.
Ona says achieving a healthy workplace requires commitment from management and active participation from senior leadership, strong employee involvement and motivation, sufficient resources and an environment highly supportive of healthy lifestyle choices. “Ultimately, a healthy lifestyle program, to be successful, requires enforcement via a formal workplace policy aligned with the organization’s mission, vision and values,” explained Ona.
Pilipinas Go4Health
DOH launched the Pilipinas Go4Health, a nationwide healthy lifestyle movement that promotes healthy
lifestyle among Filipinos. By promoting physical activity, proper nutrition, and the prevention of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking, the movement aims to control the threat of NCDs and provide Filipino workers and their families with better options to ensure their health.
“It’s a long-term commitment,” said 2011 Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup and Pilipinas Go4Health champion. “You have to live healthy so you can live longer and do the things you want to do. If you’re sick, there are plenty of things you can’t do. You commit to being healthy.”
“We are inviting companies to share how they are promoting a healthy lifestyle among employees and in their workplaces,” Ona said. “Our website, www.go4health.ph, is open for everyone to share their success stories. We need everyone’s support because our future as a nation depends on the health of our people.”