Author: BILLY NATAD

Issue: 2023-2024

Abstract:

The World Health Organization developed the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity as a response to the increasing level of physical inactivity that directly affects physical health and the workforce. This is WHO’s one way to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), and SDG 4 (quality education). A world with healthy human capital is linked to a productive society, primarily in the workforce, which serves as a key to achieving other interrelated SDGs. Working individuals are prone to developing an inactive lifestyle, which will contribute to poor physical health as reflected in their BMI. The body mass index is a measure used to evaluate bodyweight relative to height and is a tool to identify whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. The study aimed to analyze the impact of LPU Manila employees’ various BMIs on workplace productivity and provide insights for possible interventions in the form of wellness programs by the LPU Human Resources Department. The study employed cross-sectional research design in studying the relationship between BMI and work productivity. This involved collecting data on both BMI and work productivity during the 2nd semester of A.Y. 2022-2023 at LPU-Manila. Additionally, the study reviewed relevant literature on the relationship between employee health and work productivity, specifically focusing on the impacts of varied BMI. The researcher adapted the questionnaires from the World Health Organization and the Canadian Community Business and Health Institute, which had a Cronbach alpha of.94 and .88, respectively. This study found that that there is a statistically significant but weak negative relationship between BMI and work productivity. Through this study, the researcher aimed to contribute to facilitating improvements in the workplace environment and employee well-being at LPU Manila.

Keywords: Employee wellbeing, Body mass index, work performance