How Does Your Workforce Strength Measure Up?


Town Hall Overview:

In today’s competitive business landscape, the strength and health of a company’s workforce can determine its success and longevity. As organizations strive to create a productive and efficient workforce, they must understand the impact of physical strength on employee well-being and healthcare costs. In this blog post, we explore the insights shared by Dr. Tom Gillian, founder and president of IPCS, regarding the strength of the workforce and its connection to overall health and financial outcomes.

Section 1: The Importance of Workforce Strength
A healthy and strong workforce not only contributes to the success of a company but also has a direct impact on reducing healthcare costs. Dr. Gillian highlights the findings from a paper he presented, which revealed that workers with healthy and strong muscle mass had 41% fewer healthcare claims. This correlation between strength and healthcare costs emphasizes the need to prioritize employee health and well-being.

Section 2: The Research behind Workforce Strength
The research conducted by Dr. Gillian and his team utilized data collected from tens of thousands of new hires, including employee health data, workers’ compensation data, and pharmacy utilization data. By analyzing this information and applying it to strength testing results, they discovered that higher strength-to-body weight ratios were associated with lower healthcare costs. This research sheds light on the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight and optimal muscle mass to minimize healthcare expenses.

Section 3: The Physical Strength Risk Assessment (PSRA)
One of the key tools developed by IPCS is the Physical Strength Risk Assessment (PSRA), which evaluates the muscle health of workers and identifies potential risks, such as muscle and skeletal injuries, chronic diseases, and lifestyle disorders. Dr. Gillian explains that individuals with a high PSRA score, indicating good strength relative to body weight, incur significantly lower healthcare costs compared to those with lower scores. The PSRA serves as a valuable evaluation tool for both incumbent workers and pre-hire assessments.

Section 4: Moving Toward a Healthier Workforce
To improve the overall health of the workforce and transition individuals from the high-risk red zone to the low-risk green zone, organizations must implement effective incentive programs. Dr. Gillian emphasizes the importance of incentivizing employees by offering financial rewards, such as lower deductibles, to encourage engagement in health and wellness activities. By monitoring PSRA scores over time and promoting healthy behaviors, companies can witness a positive return on investment through reduced healthcare costs and improved employee well-being.

Section 5: The Role of Corporate Wellness Programs
Corporate wellness programs play a vital role in fostering a healthy and strong workforce. By providing a comprehensive approach to employee health, including fitness facilities, coaching, and incentives, organizations can empower their employees to take control of their well-being. Trusted partners like Trestle Tree specialize in motivating employees who may otherwise be difficult to engage, helping companies achieve their wellness goals and create a culture of health.

As businesses navigate the challenges of a post-pandemic world, prioritizing the strength and health of their workforce is paramount. Dr. Gillian’s research highlights the direct correlation between physical strength, healthcare costs, and employee well-being. By implementing tools like the PSRA and incentivizing employees through corporate wellness programs, companies can create a healthier and more productive workforce while mitigating healthcare expenses. Investing in the strength of the workforce today will yield significant benefits for both employees and the organization in the long run.



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