Increasing Productivity and Reliability by Investing in Health Care: Create Value by Improving Conditions for Your Low-Level Workers

By: Jody Heymann

Sign Up Now! Already a Member? Log In
You must be logged into Bookshare to access this title. Learn about membership options, or view our freely available titles.

Synopsis: Employers have been called the "new gatekeepers" of health care and health in recognition of the crucial importance of working conditions. This chapter brings together a decade and a half of research on the relationship between working conditions and health to demonstrate the economic benefits of investing in the health of your workers. Not only will you decrease absenteeism and improve performance among your workers, you can improve your ability to attract and retain key personnel, inspire greater employee allegiance, and improve the public image of the company. There are important challenges to creating and maintaining a successful relationship between work and health, both fiscal and organizational, but this chapter will guide you through the approaches that have worked for companies all over the world. Beyond just health care and insurance, you will learn about successful alternative approaches to fill in the gaps-like in-office health and safety programs, free on-site clinics, and mental health services. This chapter was originally published as Chapter 3 of "Profit at the Bottom of the Ladder: Creating Value by Investing in Your Workforce."