World Wellbeing Week: Tilting the Scales towards Health

Human wellbeing is a complicated issue. Immune to oversimplification and cliché, today we understand that health and longevity rely on multiple factors including not only physical factors – but mental, social, emotional and even financial prosperity. World WellBeing Week running from 24 – 30 June returns this year for its fifth annual instalment to remind us of the essential tenets that amount to peak wellbeing and the profusion of areas in one’s life which crave attention in order to arrive there. 

Businesses now also increasingly embrace wellbeing as a strategic priority in an era  where professional demands and stresses can be debilitating, partnering with employees more deliberately – taking the conversation further than having a worker’s wellbeing be solely their own concern. Consequently reducing sick-leave, for either physical or mental health reasons, and bolstering productivity. 

Wellbeing as a term has moved away from its reputation as a nebulous, even intangible idea: a vague catch-all phrase for any area of activity that could possibly or speculatively impact health (usually featuring crystals and yoga pants) and instead by this decade has a more well-defined framework. We know what the pillars of wellbeing and documentaries such as the Secrets of the Blue Zones extoll the lifestyle habits that have produced communities with consistent long lifespans and qualitative health well into old age.. 

The importance of wellbeing in the workplace cannot be overstated. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), work-related stress, anxiety, and depression account for 49% of all work-related ill health in the UK. These statistics underscore the need for a proactive approach to occupational health, focusing not just on physical safety but also on mental and emotional wellness.

When employees feel supported and valued, their productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction soar, making it a win-win scenario for both employers and their people. Conversely, neglecting employee wellbeing can lead to increased absenteeism, high turnover rates, and diminished performance. A study by Deloitte found that poor mental health costs UK employers between £53-56 billion each year, emphasising the financial impact of overlooking employee wellbeing. The same study indicated that employers could see an average £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support. Therefore occupational health is a pivotal component of a balanced and impactful wellbeing strategy. 

Nonetheless the pandemic has revealed a capacity for institutional change, never before thought possible, with people adapting mentally and physically all over the world. It has brought with it different ways of thinking regarding how work interlinks with other aspects of life and a new-found resilience.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancers, heart attacks and diabetes are now a leading killer in South Africa and account for 71% of deaths globally. Medications and treatments costs place a growing burden on individuals,companies and the healthcare system. In 2018, public sector costs of diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients alone were approximately ZAR 2.8 billion. Similarly the monetary amount we spend in combating preventable lifestyle diseases can be enumerated, and it’s probably far higher than you think. Each year, more than 15 million people die from a NCD between the ages of 30 and 69 years; 85% of these “premature” deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. 

Simultaneously, mental disorders result in massive amounts of lost productivity each year and it is estimated that employee absenteeism on account of depression costs the South African economy approximately R19-billion annually. South Africa scored the lowest average score on the mental health wellbeing scale (alongside the UK). The rate of distressed or struggling on the scale increased by 8%, from 28.5% in 2020 to 36%.

By supporting the mental, physical, and emotional health of employees, companies can create a thriving, productive, and engaged workforce. The benefits of investing in employee wellbeing extend beyond individual health, leading to substantial organisational gains. 

How do organisations start creating a workplace that puts a priority on wellbeing?

Implementing comprehensive mental health programmes, including counselling services, educational resources, and mental health workshops can help employees manage stress, burnout, and other challenges. 

Encouraging regular physical activity through corporate wellness programmes, gym memberships, or workplace fitness challenges can improve physical health, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Regular health screenings and tailored interventions can detect early signs of health issues, allowing for timely treatment and prevention strategies. This proactive approach ensures employees remain healthy and capable of performing their roles effectively.

Food is Wellness

You can’t exercise off a poor diet and nothing underpins wellbeing more than proper nutrition. The World Health Organization states that low fruit and vegetable consumption is linked to poor health and increased risk of NCDs. Recent studies have shown that high fruit and vegetable intake is associated with lower risks of the major NCDs today and various studies have found that vegetarians and vegans generally have a lower body mass index than otherwise comparable non-vegetarians

Overall, a diet that is predominantly plant-based and low in salt, saturated fats and added sugars is recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle. Such diets are widely associated with a lower risk of premature mortality and offer protection against noncommunicable diseases. Dietary reform is an evolution, not a revolution, and individuals as well as companies are encouraged to explore transitioning to a more plant-rich eating plan as a cornerstone for wellbeing. ProVeg South Africa offers a free 30-day Veggie Challenge to help anyone make a healthy start. 

ENDS

Media Contact

ProVeg South Africa – Wikus Engelbrecht – Communications Manager: [email protected]; +27 64 172 0120

About ProVeg South Africa:

ProVeg South Africa is the local branch of ProVeg International. ProVeg is an international food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing conventional animal-based products with plant-based and cultured alternatives.

ProVeg works with international decision-making bodies, governments, food producers, investors, the media, and the general public to help the world transition to a society and economy that are less dependent on animal a