Question

Medical research shows that sitting for extensive periods of time in the workplace can be detrimental to employee well-being. Studies indicate that sedentary individuals can suffer higher rates of heart and cardiovascular issues, reduced decision-making efficiency, and higher incidences of diabetes and over 30 chronic ailments. Research also shows that exercise can only partially compensate for sitting too much throughout the day. Consequently, there is a growing need to address this chronic health issue in organizations. One solution that directly addressed this challenge is "activity-permissive" workstations and worksites that afford employees opportunities to be more active while they complete their work. Examples include desks that can be elevated so that workers are able to stand while typing and performing other administrative activities. Another variation to the theme involves treadmill desks, which enable employees to walk while completing work at their workstations. Bike desks provide similar health benefits, enabling workers to cycle while taking care of their work responsibilities. Other specialized furniture and accessories can also be used, including cushioned floor mats for stretching and other exercises, elliptical machines that can be placed under desks, and chairs that encourage people to move around. Use of these devices in workspaces is becoming more common as wellness professionals are finding that they increase individual mental efficiency, job performance, and workplace morale. They can also reduce generalized sickness and injuries among workers, as well as enhance recruiting because talented job candidates are often interested in wellness initiatives. Several companies manufacture these specialized desks, workstations, and devices. Located in Coppell, Texas, Varidesk manufacturers platforms that are placed on top of office desks and can be elevated so that employees stand while doing their work. The costs of these devices range from almost $200 to about $800. LifeSpan, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, manufactures both bike desks and treadmill desks, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Steelcase Inc. manufactures complete sit-stand desks, and these items range in price from several thousand dollars up to $5,000. Despite the costs of these devices, many companies realize the benefits of their use. For instance, Zillow Group purchased sit-stand desks and treadmills for its workforce of 2,600 employees and found that this decreased individual work stress and made the company more attractive as an employer; health claims have also decreased and worker engagement has improved. Humana, the health insurance firm located in Louisville, Kentucky, placed treadmill desks and sit-stand desk in many of its offices, which has resulted in increased employee engagement and retention.

Brandon, the Marketing Manager at a public relations firm, suspects that one of his team members, Ross, has been engaging in substance abuse. Brandon has observed that Ross has lately been aggressive at the workplace, is mostly absent, shows low participation, has low productivity, and exhibits other antagonistic behaviors. Brandon wants to help Ross and does not want him to lose his job, as he had been efficient in the past. In this case, if Ross is a confirmed substance abuser, which of the following programs should Brandon consider using to help Ross's situation?

a. The Medicaid program

b. An employee engagement program

c. The Healthy People 2020 program

d. An employee assistance program

Answer 1

Solution:

In this case, if Ross is a confirmed substance abuser, which of the following programs should Brandon consider using to help Ross's situation?

a. The Medicaid program        

b. An employee engagement program

c. The Healthy People 2020 program  

d. An employee assistance program

For helping Ross Brandon has to use employee assistance program, and it helps for understanding the personal and professional problems faced by Ross. It also helps for reducing the stress level of Ross.