Productivity through financial wellness

Over the years, companies have been giving more attention to physical wellness, team building and leadership training programs to increase workforce productivity. I, for one, used to avail of these perks in my former job at a multi-national company through seminars like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” team building outings, reimbursable medical expenses and paid annual membership to a gym near the office. Today, these programs are also being used as a tool to attract potential applicants or partners in businesses. Ultimately, these are made available to motivate people, generate more income and attain production targets. As a proof, a 2009/2010 Tower Watson Staying@Work Report reveals that “companies with the most effective wellness programs have an 11% higher work force productivity and 28% higher shareholder returns over a period of five years.” But if overall staff well-being and a highly engaged workforce are directly proportional to their productivity, what about the people’s financial condition?

Counter stroke by walking!

Many may think that only old people experience stroke. The fact is, those hit by this sudden disabling attack are now getting younger and younger. I remember a friend who recently passed away at the age of 30 because of stroke. At first glance, you would not think him sick at all.

Usually those at risk are those whose parents have had stroke or heart attack, those aged 55 and above, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are smokers or exposed to second-hand smoking, diabetic, overweight, and those with heart disease.

INVESTITUDES

Inspired by the eight beatitudes contained in the gospel, I listed the ways financial blessings can be attained. If we live by them, our actions (or investments) will ultimately lead us to great reward (By the word “invested,” I mean “devoted” or “endowed”).

Invested are the financially poor, for theirs is the glory to success How many people do we know who were once unimaginably poor but have eventually climbed up their way to success (the likes of Gokongwei, Henry Sy, and even of a former presidential candidate who claims to have been once belonging to the poorest of the poor communities. As his jingle goes, “Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura?”)?