Over Half Of The Female Workforce 'Works In An Unhealthy Enviroment

14-03-2007 09:45

Yakult launches search for UK’s healthiest workplace

With 96% of people admitting they struggle into work when ill, it is easy to see why 54% of women consider their workplace an unhealthy environment. With all these germs around as well as long hours and increasing stress, it’s understandable that nearly half (45%) of female workers hold the workplace directly responsible for the majority of their illnesses.

However, the survey*, conducted by Yakult, suggests that many people may be misinformed, with 46% women believing that if a colleague had a cold, they were almost bound to catch it. With so many people believing that colds are inevitable, it’s understandable that only 24% of women take active measures to protect themselves.

Yakult Healthy Workplace Awards 2007 The survey was carried out to launch Yakult’s Healthy Workplace Awards 2007. Yakult is looking for the healthiest workplace in the UK. The winner of the nationwide contest will win a trip to Japan, the birthplace of Yakult, for six of the company’s employees. Regional heat winners will receive a Yakult fridge.

Yakult spokesperson Sonya Hayden says “Thankfully, many workplaces around the UK are recognising the importance of proactively contributing to employee health, with initiatives such as free fruit, gym membership, relaxation areas, office décor, yoga classes or social events. To reward those organisations that are actively investing in employee health, Yakult is launching the ‘Yakult Healthy Workplace Awards’. 46% of female workers think they work in a healthy environment so we want to hear from them. ”

The Awards scheme is open to any organisation in the UK that believes it has a healthy attitude to employee health – and both employers and employees are eligible to nominate. To enter, simply visit www.healthyworkawards.co.uk

*Survey of 1,150 working adults, conducted by tickbox.net, Feb 2007.

More about Over Half Of The Female Workforce 'Works In An Unhealthy Enviroment on page 2