Health at work should be a priority, not a perk, says Allianz Worldwide Care's HRD

Workplace perks that turn us into green-eyed monsters are synonymous with tech companies, and their offerings of nap pods, private concerts and free food.

Companies are also becoming increasingly aware of the health implications that come with stationary jobs which require employees to be sitting for eight hours a day, through offering alternative desks or gym memberships as a perk.

With studies backing up the phrase “sitting is the new smoking,” presenting employees with the opportunity to incorporate health into their day is imperative.

Speaking to HR Grapevine, Claire Cusack, Director of Human Resources at Allianz Worldwide Care, discusses the importance of making health a priority for employees, not just a perk: “While training and career development have always been part and parcel of the HR function, the wellbeing of staff is now very much on the HR agenda for many companies, and rightly so. Given that workforces spend, on average, a quarter of their week at work, supporting staff in achieving a good work-life balance is an investment I believe every company should make.”