As an employer, if you were offered a way to improve your employee's productivity, would it capture your attention? With the current state of the weight of our nation - and I mean that literally - we need to pay attention to how much overweight and obese employees are costing all of us, but in particular, employers.

In an  updated report released this week from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Trust for America's Health, for the first time in three decades adult obesity trends are leveling off. While this is great news, the fact remains that more than two-thirds (68.7%) of American adults are either overweight or obese. Here in Massachusetts, where many of AdvancingWellness' clients are headquartered, we can be encouraged by our ranking of #49 in the US, with 22.9% of our residents being categorized as obese. However, while we may be better than some states, it doesn't mitigate the fact that in 2012, in Massachusetts the combined overweight and obese numbers registered at 58.8%. The economic impact is significant, with the loss in economic productivity estimated to be between $390 billion and $580 billion annually. A 9.7% productivity loss is associated with being overweight and obese.

So what's an employer to do? Start by understanding the scope and nature of the issue in your workforce. A health assessment survey will establish a baseline for the current health status of your employees, including their current weight as measured by body mass index. Next steps include establishing policies in the workplace that provide healthy food options, such as food served at company meetings or in vending machines. Another is to address the problem head on by implementing educational and behavior change programs that will encourage employees to be physically active, manage their weight, and eat healthfully.

We know what works and that it can impact the health of your business and your employees. Time to move to action on this important issue. Contact us to discuss how you can improve your workplace productivity through a healthier workforce.