Sitting for long periods of time rather than getting up and moving is a major contributor to poor health. Medical experts have been telling us this for years, and employees recognize the truth of it, according to a year-end survey by Keas.
But if the 434 employees queried by Keas represent a cross-section of the public, then most still believe working out, or a related activity, is far more important to health and weight loss than diet. And that could be a disconnect worth investigating further.
Keas, a provider of employee health and engagement programs, received responses specifically from workers enrolled in corporate health plans. Its wide-ranging survey generated responses on a range of related topics. But the underlying themes that emerged revealed that respondents are worried about being overweight, that they blame much of this on a sedentary life, both at home and at work, and that they are looking to their employers to help them achieve their health objectives.
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More than half of respondents said sitting for long periods of time had the most negative impact on their health — and not just at work. Nearly half said they would trade a seated activity at home (video games or watching TV) for an activity that led to "great health."
A more active lifestyle was clearly seen as having greater impact on overall health than diet and nutrition. For instance, when asked to name their No. 1 health resolution for 2014, 33 percent said it was to lose weight, and 28 percent cited exercising more. Just 12 percent said eating healthier was their top health goal.
When asked which "bad behavior" of theirs they would like to alter in 2014, a strong majority (43 percent) said they were determined to unchain themselves from their desks and take a walk every so often. Only 15 percent cited a dietary/nutrition factor — to stop having lunch at their desks — as something they'd like to change.
Further evidence that the active lifestyle is highly valued by workers came through in their responses to other questions.
For instance, asked what they wanted more of in 2014 if they ruled the world, very few (7 percent) checked the box marked "sleep." Most wanted better health (43 percent), while others chose time and money (19 percent and 17 percent, respectively).
"More love & sex" had surprisingly few takers (14 percent).
When asked how employers could change to support their health, activity options again ranked much higher than diet/nutrition. One in five want to see a workplace gym or fitness class on site in 2014, while just 10 percent chose "healthier snacks and food on site."
Asked which dietary "vice" they'd be willing to give up in 2014 to improve their health, 57 percent cited sweets and soda, while just 34 percent said they'd be willing to cut down on fast food.
Turning to more health plan-related questions, those surveyed were asked: How could your employer better support your health objectives?
The primary responses:
- 31 percent said they'd like their employers to "provide money-based incentives to achieve health goals.
- 21 percent hoped their company would "introduce a flexible work structure (flex time, working from home, etc)."
- 20 percent said they'd like their employers to "implement or continue with a corporate health plan."
Because engagement in wellness plans continues to frustrate many employers, Keas asked respondents what their bosses could offer as an incentive to get them engaged in a corporate health plan.
Nearly 40 percent cited employer contributions toward the cost of health insurance as their No. 1 motivator.
There wasn't even a close second; "cash" got just 17 percent of the vote, and nearly one in five didn't even know if their employer currently offered incentives.
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Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
