Thought Shift Can Help Reduce Business Costs
For the Business Community - Any Business
Self-harm behaviors such as substance misuse and excessive drinking cost U.S. businesses heavily in terms of productivity, absenteeism, and employee turnover.
Lost productivity alone due to excessive drinking costs businesses over $179 billion per year, comprising 72% of the economic impact of alcohol misuse. Additionally, substance misuse contributes to heightened absenteeism and presenteeism—employees being physically present but less productive—which can lower workplace efficiency by up to 33%.
Businesses also face rising costs in HR-related areas, from expenses tied to drug screening to challenges with finding and retaining talent amid ongoing substance misuse issues. The National Safety Council reports that substance misuse costs employers around $15,000 annually for every affected employee, not including HR turnover costs, which can reach 30% of a mid-level employee’s salary.
Supporting Thought Shift is Good for the Bottom Line
Implementing better more frequent preventative marketing strategies that support healthier behaviors could lower these expenses significantly. This can help by reducing both the frequency of substance-related absences and the need for costly interventions like drug screenings. This would not only improve employee well-being but also foster a more engaged, productive, and a more stable, loyal and longer lasting workforce. NIAAA HCUP-US Sober World
A positive, wellness-focused marketing campaign can significantly benefit a company's bottom line by fostering healthier habits among employees, such as improved nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management. Businesses that encourage a culture of health see notable increases in productivity and profitability due to reduced absenteeism, lower turnover, and decreased healthcare costs.
Studies show that health-related productivity losses can cost employers hundreds of billions annually, with absenteeism and presenteeism (working while sick) as key drivers. Physically and mentally healthy employees are less likely to call in sick and more likely to perform effectively on the job, thereby reducing costs associated with hiring and onboarding replacements. World Economic ForumCigna Global Health.
Furthermore, positive health initiatives help mitigate chronic stress and mental health challenges, which can lead to burnout, high turnover, and costly HR interventions. Companies that prioritize employee well-being report higher retention rates and even superior financial performance compared to their competitors, as healthier workplaces support stronger engagement and loyalty.
By investing in health-promoting campaigns, businesses can thus create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated, ultimately driving long-term productivity gains and operational stability. McKinsey & CompanyCigna Global Health #thoughtshiftorg
