Employers identify sedentary lifestyle as top employee health risk

Sun Life-Buffett National Wellness Survey takes pulse of workplace wellness and health promotion in Canada

TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Almost one quarter (24 per cent) of Canadian employers say work-related stress and sedentary lifestyles are the top major health risks affecting their employees, according to the Sun Life-Buffett National Wellness Survey, released today.

An aging workforce coupled with the introduction of a younger generation of workers has businesses taking a closer look at what they are doing to support the well-being of their employees. Noticing an increase in lifestyle related health conditions and the opportunity for illness prevention, many companies are seeing the need to invest in the health of their employees.

"With an increase in illnesses relating to both stress and sedentary lifestyles, the need for employer sponsored wellness programs is growing rapidly," said Lori Casselman, Assistant Vice-President, Health and Wellness, Group Benefits, Sun Life Financial. "Employers can positively influence the health of the workplace by implementing initiatives that encourage employees to understand their current health risks, and ultimately to lead healthier lives."

Ninety-two per cent of organizations surveyed recognize that the health of their employees influences overall corporate performance. The survey finds that 62 per cent of organizations currently offer wellness initiatives with 51 per cent reporting an increase in employee morale and a 40 per cent decrease in absenteeism.

"A growing number of employers are making the connection between the health of their employees and workplace productivity," said Stuart Monteith, Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits, Sun Life Financial. "Workplace wellness programs are effective in supporting the well-being of employees while creating a more engaged and productive workforce. Major health issues are not only taking a toll on the overall well-being of employees, but also have a significant impact on the sustainability of our healthcare system."

Successful wellness programs must include initiatives that address the health concerns of employees, such as heart health and diabetes screening clinics, smoking cessation programs, fitness subsidies or onsite fitness programs, nutrition and stress management education.

For more key findings and results of the 2013 Sun Life-Buffett National Wellness Survey and to learn more about employee health and wellness, visit www.sunlife.ca/wellnessinstitute.

About the survey

Conducted since 1997, the Sun Life-Buffett National Wellness Survey investigates the prevalence of worksite wellness in Canada, examines changing views and provides an overview of the current well-being promotion practices among Canadian organizations.

The 2013 survey was conducted over the spring and summer of 2013. A national sample of 400 Canadian employers participated in the online survey. Respondents represented public, private and not-for-profit organizations ranging in size from less than 50 employees to those with more than 2,500 employees. To ensure the survey sample composition replicated that of the Canadian employer population, all data was weighted to reflect employer size and regional distribution across Canada.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial and its partners have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2013, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $591 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars.

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.