In response to growing awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy workforce of a healthy weight, the US Centers for Disease Control have developed a website, LEANWorks! (click here >>), to help companies tackle the obesity problem. LEAN stands for Leading Employees to Activity and Nutrition, and was created in response to growing numbers of requests for help, particularly from small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The website ‘is a synthesis of the science and practice-based evidence to guide you in planning, building, promoting, and assessing a worksite obesity prevention and control program’ – it includes:
- ‘an obesity cost-calculator;
- information and resources to help employers set up and assess interventions to combat obesity;
- information on how employers can estimate return on investment.’
While the tools are designed specifically for a US audience, there are clearly benefits – in health and in financial terms – to be had in investing in workplace health.
The website draws on a systematic literature review on workplace health, including expert panels, leading workplace wellness representatives from a range of companies, focus groups and The Guide to Community Preventive Services (Community Guide) worksite recommendation.
Source: CDC LEANWorks! website.