The Tribune

CHAMBER VOICE

By IAN FERGUSON

WE began a discussion last week on the value of creating, and cultivating, a healthy mind, body and spirit, so that as citizens in corporate Bahamas we are able to make a more meaningful contribution. Our conversation concluded that far too many persons in our workforce are suffering from ill-health and, as a result, are unable to maximise their full potential at work.

Our specific focus today is on obesity in the Bahamian workforce and its implications for our level of efficiency and productivity. We are well aware of the fact that this topic makes many people uneasy. The fact is that 70 per cent of Bahamians are overweight, and a large percentage of this number are obese. In truth we are talking to the masses. Most of us need to pay closer attention to the issue of weight for the primary reason that it affects our overall health, but also because it adversely affects our ability to deliver optimum value to our employers.

From high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol issues to knee and hip replacements, tummy tucks and a host of other weight-related conditions, employees with weight issues are measurably absent from work more than their counterparts with no weight dilemma. This high rate of absenteeism is a direct cost to the employer. Most businesses in the Bahamas are small and medium-sized enterprises, and simply cannot afford the absence of employees because of what is, in most cases, avoidable circumstances.

As uncomfortable as it is to say, persons with excess weight typically have lower energy levels than persons who are physically fit. The word 'energy' can easily be linked to important attributes such as enthusiasm, passion and productivity. All these are critical in the execution of duties, particularly those serving external customers.

Many employers try to gingerly dance around the issue of employees' weights, but would certainly select the fit to represent their organisation as the FACE of the company. Somehow, when persons look at individuals who are very overweight, they see someone lacking discipline and opposed to structure. Often, obesity accompanies some degree of sloppiness, which again impedes the ability of an individual to deliver magical moments of truth. Employers in jewellery, perfume and cosmetic sales, as well as restaurants and bars, know very well that SEXY and FIT sells. As shallow as that may make us seem as a community of consumers, these are the facts. The employer may be uncomfortable, but so badly wants to share with you the sentiment: 'Lose the extra pounds'.

Finally, there is the whole issue of obesity and the health costs associated with it. US studies have indicated that some $1,000 to $6,000 extra per employee is spent on the obese employee. From lunch provisions, special chairs and tables to rising health insurance costs for the plethora of medical challenges they face, employers are left holding the tab to employees' over-indulgence and unhealthy eating habits.

The conclusion of the matter is that most of the country should take seriously the matter of weight loss. For personal, and now business, matters, we respect highly the statement that a healthy nation is a wealthy one.

NB: Ian R. Ferguson was educated locally, regionally and internationally, having earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Miami. During the course of his nearly 20 years in education, talent management and human resources, he has served both the public and private sector in senior management roles. He currently serves as manager of the Chamber Institute, and as a local consultant in the field, having assisted hundreds of local and regional businesses in improving business and service excellence through their human capital.