Corporate Responsibility- psycho-social, depression, and obesity issues

Let's talk about corporate responsibility, a corporation's initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on environmental and social wellbeing- going beyond what is required by regulators and environmental protection groups. When it comes to psycho-social, depression, and obesity issues, there is a need for environmental, economic and social initiatives. We need to advocate for social policy change and make it a national priority. We would all benefit from change as a whole from both work environment and individuals options, choices, and behaviors when it comes to things that affect us personally and at our jobs. 

Picture from Gaffaney's

When something goes wrong at work, there is lots of investigation into it from issues of injury or acts of violence. These kinds of problems, after the fact, can lead to depression but what about before the occurrence. It is imperative to identify depression and other social problems before incidents occur. When someone is dealing with marital issues or a loss of a loved one, for example, it can affect mental capability. Depressive illness is one of the leading causes of disability, absenteeism, lack of presentism, and a decrease in productivity. Obesity can also impact job performance, employers can always offer fitness and wellness solutions to combat depression and obesity which often go hand in hand. 

What more can be done about it, let's focus on obesity for example. Managers can identify issues, offer solutions and tools for coping skills. The work environment and work practices can either promote or discourage obesity. Whichever they choice will modify the risk of occupational disease and injuries. Since most people spend a third of their lives working, working affects eating habits and activity patterns. Other factors such as harmful agents, physical forces, psychosocial stress, and strain also are impacted by the work environment. Obesity may be as important to address as smoking, blood pressure, blood sugar, alcohol use, and medication levels that affect an employee at work. 

Picture from Ready to Manage

Obesity, is it a disease, disability, or a lifestyle condition? This can affect the way we approach the issue in the workplace and what resources are available. What is the extent companies should provide resources for prevention? Obesity is a complex social and biological phenomenon just as much as it is perceived as a result of an individual's behavior. It is a mutual effort of both the company and the employees part. Blaming the entirety of the issue on the worker may be missing the big picture of social, cultural, and environmental causes of and interventions for the problem. 

Although there are solutions, responses can lead to prejudice, stigmatizing, and disciplinary approaches leading to possible discrimination and other legal issues. Obesity, depression and other mental health concerns need to be addressed with caution as it is a sensitive subject for many. Workplaces can offer healthy food choices and more items and increase opportunity for exercise. They can consider genetic, societal, cultural, and economic factors. 

Picture from Valley Park

USA Business Review offers us 7 ways to decrease stress in the workplace caused by sleep deprivation, poor health, financial concerns, relationship woes and add whatever else that leads to the high stress. Remember high stress leads to health issues like depression and obesity costing more money in the long run. 

• Lead by example, don't let your poor attitude rub off on other employees and share how you de-stress. 
• Introduce a wellness scheme, gym memberships and challenges really get people involved. 
• Create social activities, going out somewhere fun or playing games outside of work lowers stress and boosts morale.  
• Keep communication open, share concerns, thoughts, and ideas and keep everyone up to date on changes. 
• Create a chill space, quiet room with a serene atmosphere and comfy seating to decompress. 
• Create a rec room and meal area, this will promote activity and healthy eating with a space to prepare food. 
• Allow flex-time and remote working, employees manage their own time with open communication and clear expectations. 

So with that being said, let's all step away from our electronics and stand up and stretch, take a little walk, and find a comfy place to eat lunch and rest. Prevention and intervention are critical for a smooth running and healthy safe work environment.