So says Lianie Botha, marketing manager at distributor, Drive Control Corporation: "This is particularly relevant in the ICT industry, well-known for its fast-paced, stressful work dynamic. Fitness and wellness programmes, initiated by companies, are shifting the health issues that often face a workforce. Although by nature we are all adverse to change, the benefits - personally and professionally - make this adjustment worthwhile. However, to make the changes that will benefit us, we need to understand the causes and effects of ill-health."

DCC recently held a 'Wellness Day', where Wellness Dynamics provided health assessments, gave advice on exercise and nutrition, and provided massages to ease the tension of working in front of a PC.

Most of us have been plagued with lumbar (back) pain, tension headaches and neck and shoulder pain. All painful conditions, they are most often caused by badly designed office equipment such as chairs and desks. In addition, eye strain and fatigue are common to employees that spend the greater part of their working day in front of a computer. Fortunately, these conditions can be eliminated.

For example, employees should be seated on chairs that are specifically manufactured for office environments and feature ergonomic designs. Proper back support and arm rests ensure a more comfortable position and discouraging slouching.

Botha continues: "The height of the chair and desk in relation to the PC is also important. A monitor that is too low can cause one to hunch over the keyboard. In addition, CRT monitors have a higher flicker rate than LCD monitors and can cause eye strain and tension. Companies need to look towards phasing out CRT monitors and replacing them with LCD monitors."

Sufficient ventilation is another key consideration within an office environment. Although this can be cited as the main cause for spreading viruses and germs, a healthy working environment requires sufficient ventilation to ensure oxygen levels are maintained.

Botha adds: "Clothing is also a consideration. Ensuring that employees are comfortable means that they perform better. For example, we provide our warehouse staff with safety boots and appropriate clothing, allowing them to feel comfortable while performing tasks such as picking stock."

An unhealthy lifestyle also impacts work performance and absenteeism. Francois Kotze, MD of Wellness Dynamics, explains: "Excessive drinking, smoking, a lack of exercise and bad eating habits all contribute to a lifestyle that impacts health negatively. These issues are often exacerbated by stress. Companies implementing in-house wellness and fitness programmes should offer guidance and recommendations with regard to these issues. Reducing high alcohol and tobacco use and encouraging an exercise programme and healthier eating habits will certainly assist to lower stress."

He recommends that each individual is provided with a cardiac risk analysis at the end of the first consultation which would cover diet, posture, exercise, nutrition and dependency on alcohol and cigarettes. In addition, basic tests that form part of a body assessment to check blood glucose, cholesterol, lung function and blood pressure will contribute to the comprehensive analysis.

In America, the leading cause of death is coronary heart disease with 58,8m Americans suffering from one or more forms of cardiovascular disease. Globally, almost one out of 2,4 deaths result from cardiovascular disease. SA is also at risk as, currently, approximately 124 000 males and 90 000 females die from cardiovascular disease per year.

This is exacerbated by the fact that at least 30% of all South Africans are totally sedentary in their work and leisure time, with well over 30% of local women regarded as overweight. To add to this, more than 25% of all SA men currently smoke - all contributing towards cardiovascular disease.

International research findings have highlighted five areas that benefit from in-house corporate fitness and wellness programmes: it improves the morale of your organisation, increases recruitment potential, improves employee health status, reduces employee turnover, and reduces absenteeism.

Kotze concludes: "Our increasingly unhealthy lifestyles and work environments must be addressed to ensure happy and healthy employees. The spin-off benefits far outweigh the investment of these programmes, such as a happier and more productive workforce. This can only impact the bottom line positively."