KUALA LUMPUR, APRIL 17 – As World Health Day dawns, International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, underscores the importance of prioritizing employee health and wellbeing within businesses worldwide. Recognizing that employee health is a cornerstone of organizational success, International SOS calls on companies to go beyond mere acknowledgment and actively foster a culture of health among their workforce. The economic impact of poor employee health is significant, with the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimating global productivity losses of $530 billion annually due to health-related issues.
In addition, millions of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses are reported worldwide each year. To mitigate these effects, preventative health programs play a crucial role. According to the International SOS Foundation commissioned report, The Return on Prevention, every dollar invested in such programs yields a return of $2.53. Moreover, prioritizing employee wellbeing enhances talent acquisition and retention, as highlighted by 82% of global risk professionals.
Dr. Chan Yanjun, Medical Director at International SOS, emphasizes the importance of this year’s World Health Day theme, “My health, my right,” urging organizations to empower employees to take charge of their health actively. Dr. Chan stresses the significance of creating a safe and healthy work environment, noting that simple workplace adjustments can boost employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational success. With long working hours, sedentary work, and limited access to healthy food options posing challenges to employee health, promoting a supportive work culture becomes paramount on this World Health Day.
