Employee health and well-being is important since it affects their productivity. Yet Canadian employers seem to forget. In fact, 40% of those interviewed in the Workmonitor study by Randstad Canada believe that their company does not promote a balanced lifestyle.
The eight hour day seems to be a distant memory for most Canadians today. As evidence, two people out of five believe that their company does not sufficiently support them to lead a healthy life, according to the survey conducted by Randstad in January 2014 and published last March. According to 56% of respondents, their organization doesn't sufficiently favour their psychological well-being by calling on the services of a coach or mentor, for example.
Employer expectations rising
A large majority of those interviewed (96%) believe that the balance between work and private life is essential for a healthy life. However, they struggle to find this harmony on a daily basis. Company expectations are indeed much higher both in terms of worker productivity and in developing their skills. The result is that it is increasingly difficult for them to take a break during their work hours to get some fresh air or take part in a sports activity. Only 30% of respondents get permission to take an active break during their work day. And only 39% take advantage of their company’s sports facilities or receive a membership in a sports club at a discounted rate, co-financed by the company.
More sports for more work performance
However, a lack of physical activity or mental stimulation can have a negative impact on employees. Three people out of four said they are more efficient at work when they can practise a sports activity regularly. This is a reality that companies are not taking into account, while more and more Canadians are taking care of their well-being. According to 67% of respondents, physical exercise and sports training are a priority to healthy living. However, 93% of employees are aware that this healthier lifestyle is their responsibility and not their employer’s, and try to find time to do a sports activity. For example, 75% of respondents choose to use the stairs, rather than taking an elevator.
Less accommodation, more profitability
In recent years, the balance between work and private life has become a goal for many Canadians. Obliged by the crisis, companies have promoted profitability to the detriment of arrangements to help employees adopt a more balanced lifestyle, according to Patrick Poulin, vice president of the Quebec division of Randstad. Efforts have been made, however, since 50% of respondents have access to more balanced food in the company’s restaurant. He reminds us that improvement of this balance must nonetheless become a priority for employers, through mentoring, holidays that compensate for overtime or financial contributions for membership in a gym. This is especially since employers who encourage a balance between family and work life and a healthy lifestyle are more than likely than others to attract and keep productive workers. In this way employees are more engaged in their work and more motivated to produce results that will improve the company’s results.
The family as a priority
Although Canadian companies struggle to encourage a healthier lifestyle for their employees, they are nonetheless quick to support them in case of problems in their private life. So 79% of those surveyed said they had no difficulty taking leave for personal reasons. Furthermore, 68% of respondents think they would get their company’s agreement if they had to be absent to look after a family member. The family remains a priority for workers, the study emphasized, since 70% of people interviewed would quit their job if they were not allowed to take leave to care for a family member.