FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR

And with many companies counting the cost of escalating absenteeism, they’re looking to workplace wellness strategies as a way of plugging the leaks. 
Employers could save up to fifteen dollars for every dollar they spent on workplace wellness, according to a statement from the American Heart Association.   They said that wellness programmes were a proven strategy for cost reduction and improved profitability.
Consider this – the average Australian worker takes approximately eight days personal or sick leave a year, which costs the companies an average of $ 3000 per employee.Ths absenteeism costs the Aussie economy in excess of 26 billion dollars each year in lost productivity.
With workers generally more stressed and time-poor than ever before, facing tough economic times, long working hours and pressure to deliver, their health is often compromised.   
To mitigate this, many employers have realised that by giving the workforce some healthy options, the organisation’s absenteeism rates and productivity will benefit.  An effective workplace wellness programme will also help companies attract and retain quality staff.
Workplace wellness progammes could incorporate :
• Assistance with anti-smoking programmes
• Stress management
* weight management
* Using ergonomic equipment eg typists’ chairs
• Encourage healthy balance between work and home-life
* Encourage exercise
* An internal staff challenge whereby employees get points for making healthy lifestyle choices
* Promote good nutrition
A growing number of companies are promoting healthy eating at the workplace by investing in a regular delivery of fresh fruit.This means that fresh seasonal fruit is available on tap during the day, and because it doesn’t cost the employees anything, they’re much more likely to access it.The benefit to the organisation is a healthier workforce, improved productivity and reduced absenteeism.
Perth fruit delivery company, Fruit Boost, has been in the business for many years and says its clients are definitely healthier as a result of having fresh fruit on tap.  “Instead of putting money into the vending machine, more people are reaching for a crunchy apple which doesn’t cost them anything.Over time, they’ll feel better about themselves and will be motivated to stay healthy.”
It’s not only the staff who feel a lot better from the fruit basket delivery, local charities also benefit as they get a donation from each box of Fruit Boost office fruit.”This charitable element adds another dimension to fresh fruit deliveries,” Perth Fruit Boost Manager, Rina Marcelo says.”There are benefits for everyone – from the charities, the employees and of course the companies, who get bottom-line advantages.”
A healthy workforce will deliver healthier returns.A simple fruit delivery can be the healthy start for a wide-ranging workplace wellness, and could be just what the doctor ordered to keep your organisation away from the sickbay.