Study on Employee Health Behaviors

Self-Rated Job Performance and Absenteeism According to Employee Engagement, Health Behaviors, and Physical Health

Merrill, Ray M. PhD, MPH; Aldana, Steven G. PhD; Pope, James E. MD; Anderson, David R. PhD, LP; Coberley, Carter R. PhD; Grossmeier, Jessica J. PhD; Whitmer, R. William MBA; HERO Research Study Subcommittee

Abstract:

Objective: To better understand the combined influence of employee engagement, health behavior, and physical health on job performance and absenteeism.

Methods: Analyses were based on 20,114 employees who completed the Healthways Well-Being Assessment from 2008 to 2010. Employees represented three geographically dispersed companies in the United States.

Results: Employee engagement, health behavior, and physical health indices were simultaneously significantly associated with job performance and also with absenteeism. Employee engagement had a greater association with job performance than did the health behavior or physical health indices, whereas the physical health index was more strongly associated with absenteeism. Specific elements of the indices were evaluated for association with self-rated job performance and absenteeism.

Conclusion: Efforts to improve worker productivity should take a holistic approach encompassing employee health improvement and engagement strategies.

(C)2012The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

What are your employees doing to improve their health, maintain it and to avoid lost  work days?  What is productivity like in your company performance?

Kate Montgomery ~ ERGOhealthy Coach ~ ERGOhealthy.com