BMA: Impact of health issues on productivity unsurprising

The British Medical Association (BMA) has stated that recent research showing a link between poor health habits and reduced workplace productivity is in line with its expectations.

A spokeswoman for the organisation has described the study, published last week in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, as "not surprising", given the well-established link between poor health habits and long-term illness.

According to the research in question, more than ten per cent of workers taking sick leave or experiencing high levels of productivity loss can be found to be affected by lifestyle factors or obesity.

It also concluded that primary interventions in employee lifestyles could bring benefits to the economy in terms of creating a better-functioning workforce.

The BMA spokeswoman backed the findings, highlighting the fact that workplace troubles and economic worries can also have a reciprocal negative impact on health.

She explained: "Stress is not good for health and could lead to individuals drinking or smoking more."