Facebook debate: Encouraging healthy living

Do you think that companies creating financial incentives for employees to lose weight is the best approach to encourage a healthier workforce?

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2 MIN READ

Daily exercise is a must

I think that it would be a good step if companies gave financial incentive to employees to get healthy. There needs to be some steps towards getting employees to exercise during the day for jobs like driving - especially taxi drivers! They are working long hours every day and always sitting. So many people become susceptible to diabetes from lack of exercise.

From Mr Shaheen Shah Afridi

UAE

Too commercialised

I don’t think companies should get involved. I think it is too commercialised.

From Ms Hafsa Nanku

UAE

Encouraging staff

It’s not too commercialised because companies need flexible, eligible and strong minded people. This will encourage the workforce. A company doesn’t work as efficiently if employees are obese and unhealthy.

From Mr Amir Nnamani Celestine

UAE

Shouldn’t need money

I believe that health is everyone’s concern. Incentives for this program is unnecessary for employees! It’s not the right method to get people fit.

From Mr Mac Atim Valdez

UAE

Refresh employees

It reminds me of the Dubai incentive to lose your weight in gold that runs every year. People work hard and lose significant amounts of weight. I think it would refresh many offices to make these kinds of programs.

From Ms Fatima

Dubai

Making money

It is indeed a good source of motivation for people if they financially benefit. The UAE is a multicultural hub with a lot of expatriates coming here for the financial benefits and business. It would work.

From Mr Salman Taimur

UAE

Fitness programs instead

Companies would be better off having a benefits package that includes a membership in a health club or have a health club within their facility in order for employees to continue working and taking time to exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle! If you create financial incentives, once the program ends, the employees will gain weight again!

From Ms Diane Monet Nobles

UAE

Invest in employees

I agree with Ms Diane Monet Nobles. There are plenty of fitness centres and hotels that offer packages to companies for employees to be healthy and exercise. The company would have to financially commit to providing these services for employees though.

The concept is that providing facilities to exercise or to relax will keep employees healthy, motivated and with less stressed. An investment into the people.

From Ms Lili Maria

Dubai

Many benefits

Actually, it is a strategy to keep its employees motivated and, on the other hand, to do marketing. So, take it as a good sign rather than negatively.

From Mr Zohaib Ahmad

UAE

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