The fitter your financial affairs, the fitter you’ll be to face and manage medical setbacks, according to the 2016 Manulife Financial Wellness Index. Digging into the latest numbers, we find that financially well Canadians are better financially prepared for a serious illness (55% vs. 7% for the financially unwell) and disability (55% vs. 6%).
A simple connection for most employers: financially well plan members enjoy better overall health, which can translate into improved workplace productivity and reduced claims.
The 2016 Index points to a clear connection between financial wellness and physical health. Those who say they are financially well are more likely to describe their health as “good” or “excellent” (71%), than those who are financially unwell (51%).
Lifestyle behaviours are one likely cause for these respondents reporting better physical health. For example, those who are financially well say they eat more fruits and vegetables than do the financially unwell. They also exercise more, get regular medical check-ups and are more likely to inform themselves about healthier life habits.
Another large difference between the two groups is the amount of reported stress when thinking about money. Twice as many of the financially unwell (81%) report that “dealing with money causes me stress” than do the financially well (40%).
Stress affects both physical and mental health, and may be associated with chronic conditions and disabilities. And, whether the stress originates at home or in the workplace, the results from the 2016 Index are similar: stressed employees are less productive and engaged, which can impact their personal and professional lives.
While experts continue to debate the ways by which regular physical activity reduces stress, there is general agreement over the effectiveness of exercise.
Given this evidence, plan sponsors might consider a holistic approach that promotes both healthy lifestyle practices and financial wellness. This approach can potentially improve members’ physical and mental health, and in turn positively impact work performance and disability claims.
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How Financial Health Can Impact The Prevalence Of Chronic Conditions In The Workplace.
How Employees’ Financial Confidence Can Help Reduce Stress in Your Workplace.
A 2015 study conducted by Manulife and Ipsos Reid showed the connection between financial wellness, health and employee engagement.
