Employee Energy Management — The Missing Ingredient in the Productivity Discussion

December 15, 2011

Adding to dollars lost through health-related absenteeism, poor energy maintenance also decreases productivity (presenteeism). Employees may put in their hours, but are unable to contribute their best work when energy is low. A study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM) found that productivity loss is strongly associated with increased health risks, especially those due to stress.

The JOEM study collected data from 2264 employees. The conclusion: individuals with high stress and lack of emotional fulfillment reported double the presenteeism of those without. In fact, it appears presenteeism actually contributes more to lost productivity than absenteeism.[1]

The Solution

In the past, many organizations considered an employee’s health none of their business. However, research now suggests that organizations may unintentionally create barriers to individual energy management. Whether through formal policy, or subtle disapproval by coworkers, organizations can unwittingly reinforce cultural norms that lead to poor health and a corresponding rise in healthcare costs. Equipping employees with the information and skills they need to succeed, in addition to fostering a culture of health, will lead to more energetic, productive employees.

To make substantial and sustainable changes, providing information is simply not enough. Most people are already aware of the health recommendations to:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Get 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise
• Make time for rest and relaxation.

Here’s the challenge: how can individuals translate these recommendations into permanent behaviors? This is where organizations have the potential to greatly influence employee health — by providing practical tools for incorporating changes. Otherwise, it’s all too easy to return to old habits, losing any gains in productivity and quality of work.
 
The answer is rituals — specific activities that begin as methodical and practiced, even a bit uncomfortable at first because they deviate from current routine.[2] But once rituals are established, they become the routine… second nature, and preferred over old ways. Helping employees develop and maintain rituals can create lasting change with impact on energy levels, stress, productivity, and overall health.

For more on establishing rituals, download our free white paper — Achieving Peak Energy and Reduced Stress: A Guide for the 21^st Century Workplace.