FootGaming Can Save You Money
This U.S.-based report says 4,537 RealGames casual gamers were surveyed, of which 84 percent were female and more than 75 percent were between the ages of 35 and 60. The findings were as follows:
Playing casual games while sitting at a computer is one thing, but a physically active 10-15 minute break adds oxygen-energy-endorphins-balance-a sense of play and relaxation. Why not explore how you can save money on your employee wellness program while providing a rich benefit for those trying hard to quit smoking. Register now to receive custom support, information and money-saving workplace wellness ideas.
Here's just a sampling. A new survey commissioned by RealNetworks found that "casual" games – you know, those downloadable try-before-you-buy puzzlers – might be good for kicking bad habits. Based on their findings, RealNetworks suggests these fun and accessible computer games -- played by about 200 million people each month -- might prove to be a healthier distraction and stress reliever than smoking.
According to QuitSpace, employers spend an average of $3,383 annually per smoking employee in additional health care costs and lost productivity. Tobacco use affects absenteeism, productivity, insurance, work- ers’ compensation, disability, mortality and more.On average, smokers are absent 50 percent more often than nonsmokers. Helping one smoker to quit reduces the medical costs associated with heart attack and stroke by $47 in the first year, and by $853 during the next seven years. In fact, the lifetime health care costs of a smoker exceed those of a nonsmoker by more than $6,000
The issue of a
successful smoking cessation program in the workplace is not
only complex, it's expensive. In spite of all the health
reasons a smoker might know intellectually, the draw of a tight
social network outside smoking during break time is very
strong. Employee breaks occur during a workday - and once a
"quit smoking"program is begun the new habit includes a trip to
the vending machine for sodas, candy, salty-fatty snacks and
weight gain. What is an employer to do?
Time and again the stress reduction and productivity-raising attributes of employees playing casual games on their computers has been demonstrated. Smokers especially enjoy having something to do with their hands and their minds during break time at work and leisure time at home. FootGaming adds another dimension as employees develop alternative habits for time when they used to smoke.
Take a look at the Workplace Wellness section for more ideas
and program opportunities.
