Exploring the interconnected elements of health: Physical health

Part one: The role of employee physical health and its impact on productivity and morale

When people feel well physically, they're more likely to have higher energy levels. That holds true for everyone, and it’s why employers need to support employee physical health if they want to enhance performance and productivity in the workplace.

In a study on the relationship between physical health and burnout, employees who only engaged in low levels of physical activity had a lower sense of personal accomplishment and felt more fatigued. They also experienced higher levels of emotional exhaustion compared to others who regularly engaged in moderate levels of physical activity.

So why does physical activity affect an employee’s level of emotional exhaustion? In short, it’s because there are numerous factors that contribute to someone's overall wellbeing, and they’re all interrelated. Some of the main components of health are mental, physical and financial health, though there are other factors and social determinants in play as well.

Here’s a closer look at physical health, and how it intersects with other elements of health to impact employee engagement, productivity and performance.

What is physical health?

Physical health refers to the body’s ability to function optimally. That includes a person’s fitness level, as well as the strength and flexibility of muscles, joints and bones. But it also involves the senses, internal and external organs, and the systems that enable the body to operate properly.

In order to improve and sustain physical health, physical activity is important. The Institute for Health and Productivity Studies at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School for Public Health reports that when employees are physically inactive, they take more time off due to sick leave, which in turn significantly increases their employers’ healthcare costs.

The reverse is true, too; when employees exercise vigorously for at least 75 minutes per week, they take approximately four fewer sick days per year. And highly demanding physical activity isn’t always necessary. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity per week, which is equivalent to about 20 minutes per day.

The connection between physical and mental health

Along with being physically present at work — due to the reduced need for sick leave — employees who stay active also show up for work mentally. They exhibit higher levels of focus, lower levels of stress and tend to be more productive.

Conversely, poor mental health can be a predictor of poor physical health. This is because when a person suffers from a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, it affects mood, motivation and energy levels, as well as disrupting sleep cycles, immune function and hormone balances.

The connection between physical and financial health

Employees’ sense of financial health and economic stability can also be a major source of stress in their life if they’re struggling to save money and pay bills. As a result, they can be four times more likely to suffer from headaches, sleep problems and other illnesses, according to the Government of Canada.

And since people who are financially stressed lose an average of 30 minutes per day trying to address their financial situation, it might further limit the time required to take care of their physical health — not to mention, it can take a toll on the energy and motivation necessary to do so.

How employee physical health influences productivity

Harvard Business Review cites a series of studies that were conducted to identify how physical health affects workplace performance and productivity. The researchers found that daily physical activity brings physical, affective and cognitive improvements through a series of mutually reinforcing next-day benefits that they refer to as “resource caravans”.

By enhancing sleep quality and protein synthesis, physical activity primes people to excel at work by increasing their energy, vigour and focus. More energy can give them the stamina to do their best work without getting worn down. Greater focus can enable them to be alert, pay attention and be more creative in their problem solving, while also improving their ability to retain and concentrate on information.

Why companies need to advocate for physical health

It can be difficult for employees to maintain a physically active lifestyle when they are balancing their time at work with managing other everyday commitments. That means employers have both a responsibility and a vested interest in making space for employee physical health.

Building more flexibility into employees’ schedules is a relatively straightforward and impactful change employers can make. Granting people autonomy over their time means they can make space for healthy eating and frequent exercise. Additionally, this permission enables them to access care when and where it best suits them.

Poor physical health can correlate with mental and financial health issues — and so nurturing physical health can play a powerful role in resolving such issues. When employees feel their best, they can achieve their best. 

Enable holistic wellbeing for employees with TELUS Health

For delivering exceptional physical health benefits, TELUS Health Virtual Care grants easy access to clinicians who can give health advice, diagnose issues and make referrals to specialists. TELUS Preventive Health Assessment offers an extensive panel of screenings, exams and genetic services to help identify issues early. And TELUS Health Wellbeing helps to educate, engage and inspire employees to achieve their personal wellbeing goals through behavioural change.

Learn more about the other factors and facets of holistic health, and how TELUS Health supports both employers and employees.