New Zealand’s Workforce – A Picture of Health?

18 March 2009 Media Release

New Zealand’s Workforce – A Picture of Health?

Feeling older than your birth certificate says you should? You’re not alone. Seven out of ten (71%) New Zealand workers have a state of health worse than their actual age, according to a survey1 conducted by not-for-profit health insurer, Southern Cross Medical Care Society.

The survey revealed that nearly a fifth (18%) of the workforce has a health status equivalent to someone 10 or more years older than they are, while more than half (53%) have a health status 1-9 years greater than their actual age.

Only 22% were rated as having a state of health 1-9 years below their age, and a mere 2% at 10-years plus.

The formula used to determine workers’ state of health took into account smoking dependence, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, alcohol consumption, nutrition, Body Mass Index (BMI), stress, quality of life and job satisfaction.

Southern Cross Health Insurance Chief Executive, Peter Tynan, says the survey results are concerning because a healthy workforce is a more productive workforce. “Most employers recognise the benefits of a healthy workforce, in terms of increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. This is one of the reasons why we have seen increased interest in recent years in the range of workplace health initiatives, from the traditional health insurance schemes and vaccination programmes, to smoking cessation and on-the-job fitness initiatives,” Mr Tynan says.

“This survey data suggests some workplaces may still have much to gain from health initiatives for their people.”

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