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Why health and wellbeing benefits are needed
After more than three years of almost relentless upheavals sparked by the global pandemic, people are tired. Shift-based, frontline workers such as nurses, carers and teachers went above and beyond in their efforts to keep critical services running. Today there’s a greater expectation that employers will support the health and wellbeing of their shift-based employees. There’s growing evidence that it’s much needed.
Research shows that shift workers on rotating schedules tend to eat more erratically and frequently than day workers, snack more at night and consume fewer healthier foods. Shift work has also been linked to serious health issues, such as sleep disorders, increased obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and an increased risk of workplace or motor vehicle accidents.
In addition, workers in highly casualised workplaces, who are often in low-pay roles and are often young, are struggling the most with the current cost-of-living crisis. Those workers are more likely to have recently missed a bill payment and are less likely to feel in control of their spending.
The role of employers
How can employers ensure they are offering the right level of support to their employees? With the benefits of happier, healthier employees flowing both ways, a holistic approach is recommended. Such an approach combines tools, education, and resources to help employees progress towards their goals – such as paying off debts, losing weight, achieving better work-life balance, or improving mental health – and creates lasting behavioural change.
Find out more
Our eBook covers:
The 4 pillars of wellness – financial, social, emotional and physical
The unique health challenges facing shift-based workers
What employers can do to best support the health and wellbeing of their deskless workforce
Tips for getting a wellness initiative up and running
Keen to know more? Packed with independent research, useful insights and handy tips, our eBook can be downloaded by completing the form.