From the July 2008 issue of
Ceridian ConnectionDecreased on-the-job productivity represents a large, yet poorly defined cost to employers. And studies have shown that lost productivity due to employee ill health and incidental absences costs employers some $330 billion each year. As more and more companies recognize that improved overall employee health can positively impact the bottom line, you may wonder how you can diagnose the health of your organization. The best way to start any health initiative is to get a baseline measurement with a health risk assessment.
Ceridian LifeWorks offers an in-depth assessment called Ceridian Life Health Assessment (LHA). It's a scored risk appraisal that measures both health and productivity areas and provides participants with immediate feedback on a secure Web site.
The assessment also provides employers with population reports that define the risks present in your workforce. Health risk data may be used in aggregate to target and manage employee health promotion, outreach and even intervention for those identified as at risk.
The areas the LHA assesses include:
- Nutrition
- Physical activity
- Substance use
- Stress and depression
- Preventative care
- Chronic conditions and diseases
- Family history
- Biometrics
- Time management
- Work environment
"Employers can use the Life Health Assessment to target issues and then match programs best suited to the needs of their employee population," says Nikki Barr, Ceridian performance data analyst. "Why pay for a program that doesn't fit your population when you can align and target health goals to your needs?"
For instance, if your company has a high level of risk for cardiovascular disease, you can target your health management approach in the following ways:
- Implement onsite screening services
- Introduce a cardiovascular health coaching program
- Start a fitness program
- Offer healthier food choices in your cafeteria
"The LHA is most valuable when it's administered year-after-year," explains Shannon Rickert, Ceridian LifeWorks product manager. "This allows employers to understand their progress over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of any programs they put into place."
We can help you manage the health and productivity of your organization starting with a Life Health Assessment. Get the most from your employees while helping them improve the quality of their lives. It's a win-win.