Statistical Findings

Healthy employees are nearly three times more productive than unhealthy employees
"The health of Australia's workforce" Medibank private report 2005

Unhealthy employees take up to nine times more sick days than their healthy colleagues.
"The health of Australia's workforce" Medibank private report 2005

Poor employee health and absenteeism is costing Australian business more than 7 billion dollars annually.
"The health of Australia's workforce" Medibank private report 2005

53% of Australian workers feel overwhelmed with stress and pressure most of the time. Work related stress cost Australian business over 200 billion annually.
"The health of Australia's workforce" Medibank private report 2005

Presenteeism considers the extent to which employees are productive and engaged in their work.
"Sick at work" Medibank private study. 2007.

In 2005-06 the cost of presenteeism to the Australian economy was estimated to be 25.7 billion – nearly four times the cost of absenteeism.
"Sick at work" Medibank private study. 2007.

On average, 6 days or productivity are lost for each employee annually as a result of presenteeism.
˜Sick at work" Medibank private study. 2007.

21% of surveyed Australians experience medical conditions including back, neck and shoulder pain (29%), and migraines (14%)
˜The health of Australia's workforce" Medibank private report 2005

A 2002 Canadian study found a 20% improvement in workplace morale lead to a reduction in absenteeism, turnover and workers compensation.
˜The health of Australia's workforce" Medibank private report 2005

Even employees who don’t utilize the services of a corporate wellness program are still more likely to be loyal and satisfied with the organisation for being offered the service in the first place.
˜The health of Australia's workforce" Medibank private report 2005

Between 1985-2008, 57.8% of work safe claims were musculoskeletalafflictions; an average musculoskeletal injury claim is $13000.
Work safe statistical report 2007/08

37%of all claims between 1985 and 2008 were back, neck and shoulder related.
Work safe statistical report 2007/08

Prior to 1999, stress related claims were below 4%. In 2007/08 stress claims reached 8.7%.
Work Safe statistical report 2007/08

Between 1985 and 2008, the average claim for stress related illnesses is $29038, whilst back related injuries averaged $32970.
Work Safe statistical report 2007/08

If businesses address and improve presenteeism by investing in the health of staff, employers can improve productivity and potentially improve staff retention, which flows through to an improved bottom line.
˜Sick at work" Medibank private study. 2007.

Investing in employee health can create a win-win situation for employers and employees alike. Employees can enjoy better health and improved quality of life while companies realise more productivity from their employees.
"Sick at work" Medibank private study. 2007.

Most people are extremely unhappy in the workplace. They are dissatisfied with their jobs, bored and frustrated. Downsizing has meant that fewer people are doing more work and many people are stressed, depressed and resentful.
Report: Absenteeism in Australia 1994.

Absenteeism costs Australian industry about $7 billion a year or approximately $1000 for each employed person a year. These costs include replacement labour, overtime, decreased productivity, extra supervision and training.
Health Services Australia survey 2000

A major cause of absenteeism is stress, which can cause migraines, neck pain, and even alcoholism and depression. Occupational stress may translate into everything from high staff turnover to conflict.
The Sydney Morning Herald. Dec 2001

"The compensation claims, since we've introduced the massage for work-related stress and repetitive injuries, have decreased… We've been able to decrease sick leave (from 525 employee days in the 1999 financial year to 159 the following year.)"
The Age. 20th February 2001

A happy engaged workforce tends to put in the hours and stay in their jobs (turnover is a huge cost to employees) Happy workers, it's not just about money.
Top 25 Employers to work for.
The Age August 2000

Massages for employees are commonplace (in the 100 best Companies to work for).
Do perks and packages pay off?
The Age August 2000