WHO reveals rising cost of diseases in the workplace

A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) has highlighted the need to tackle the causes of chronic diseases in the workplace.

The report, Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases in the Workplace through Diet and Physical Activity, called for workplace health programmes to be promoted and implemented globally.

Chronic disease, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease, are responsible for more than 60% of all deaths globally and are projected to account for 47m deaths annually in the next 25 years, said the WEF.

The WHO estimates that between 2005-2015, income loss could rise to as much as $558bn (€358bn) in China, $237bn (€152bn) in India, $33bn (€21bn) in Russia and $33bn in the UK.

“Evidence from workplace wellness programmes...shows that disease risk can be reduced through programmes that address tobacco-free living, healthy eating and physical activity.

World Economic Forum

The problem is growing fastest in low- and middle-income countries, and almost half of those who die from chronic diseases are in their productive years. Countries like Brazil, China, Russia and India currently lose more than 20m productive life-years annually to chronic disease, and that number is expected to grow by 65% by 2030, according to the WEF.

The WEF commented: ‘Evidence from workplace wellness programmes, in both developed and developing countries, shows that disease risk can be reduced through programmes that address tobacco-free living, healthy eating and physical activity. These programmes are not only cost effective, but they also reduce healthcare costs, improve productivity, retain human capital and build a sustainable business. Workplace wellness programmes are enlightened self-interest investments from a health, bottom-line and national perspective.’

At the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting 2008 in Davos, 16 global chief executives made a call to action to strengthen commitment to employee wellness in the workplace on a worldwide scale.