By Samuel Lartey(Prof), [email protected]

The relationship between lifestyle, recreation, work, productivity, profitability, and health is crucial in shaping the well-being of individuals, businesses, entrepreneurs, and national economic growth.

In Ghana, the impact of lifestyle choices is not only felt on a personal level but also extends to government initiatives, local governments, and businesses. A well-balanced lifestyle fosters economic resilience, while poor lifestyle habits can strain national resources and hinder economic progress.

The health-productivity nexus: A national concern

Health is a fundamental driver of productivity. Research by RiviaCo Research shows that 50% of Ghana’s workforce is not fully productive due to health concerns. Over 80% of individuals, aged 27-62 are hypertensive, and 50% of a sample population of 80,000 has undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes.

These conditions increase absenteeism, reduce productivity, and impose higher healthcare costs on businesses and the government.

For example, a corporate firm with 50 employees generating GH¢5 million annually could suffer a productivity loss of GH¢1 million per year due to health-related work disruptions. Poor health leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical expenses, and increased pressure on Ghana’s public health system, affecting government budgets and initiatives in sectors such as education, infrastructure, and social welfare.

How lifestyle affects government initiatives and public health spending

The Ghanaian government has allocated significant resources to improve public health and lifestyle habits. Initiatives like Ghana’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) aim to make healthcare more accessible, but lifestyle diseases continue to drain national resources.

1. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for 45% of all deaths in Ghana, with cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes being major contributors.
2. Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption are leading risk factors.
3. Government expenditure on healthcare is projected to rise by 20% annually if lifestyle habits do not improve.

The Ministry of Health has introduced wellness campaigns to educate the public on fitness, proper nutrition, and disease prevention, but without personal commitment from citizens, government interventions will yield minimal results.

Local governments: Creating sustainable recreational spaces

Local governments play a vital role in providing recreational opportunities to promote healthier lifestyles. Yet, many Ghanaian cities lack public parks, fitness centres, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, making it difficult for citizens to adopt healthier habits.

1. In Accra and Kumasi, increasing urbanisation has reduced green spaces by over 35% in the last decade, leading to sedentary lifestyles.
2. Community-based fitness initiatives like “Walk for Health” campaigns in Kumasi and Accra are helping, but access remains limited to urban centres.
3. District assemblies must prioritize recreation centres, pedestrian walkways, and bicycle lanes in city planning to encourage an active lifestyle.

A shift in local government policies to integrate green spaces and recreation centres into urban planning will enhance citizen health, reduce healthcare costs, and improve overall productivity.

The business case for lifestyle change: Higher productivity, bigger profits

Ghanaian businesses cannot afford to ignore employee health and well-being, as lifestyle-related illnesses cost employers millions in lost productivity each year.

1. 7% of corporate bank workers in Accra are physically inactive, increasing their risk of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
2. Employees who have been in sedentary jobs for over six years are more prone to lifestyle-related health issues, leading to higher medical claims and insurance costs for businesses.

Forward-thinking organisations are introducing workplace wellness programs to improve employee health. Some companies now provide:

1. On-site fitness centres and wellness programs (e.g., Stanbic Bank Ghana)
2. Flexible work arrangements and mental health support
3. Corporate insurance plans that include preventive healthcare screenings (e.g., Enterprise Life Insurance’s and GCB Bank Plc Wellness Plus Package)

Businesses that invest in employee well-being see an average of 25% higher productivity and 18% lower absenteeism. The return on investment in workplace wellness initiatives is GH¢3 for every GH¢1 spent.

Entrepreneurs:

The Connection Between Lifestyle and Business Success

Entrepreneurs often sacrifice their health for business growth, working long hours and neglecting recreation and self-care. However, studies show that business owners who prioritise health and recreation perform better financially.

1. In a survey of 500 Ghanaian entrepreneurs, those who engaged in regular exercise and recreation reported 30% higher business growth than those who did not.
2. Stress management and proper nutrition lead to better decision-making, increased energy, and greater resilience in business operations.

Successful Ghanaian entrepreneurs, like Prof. Forster Sarpong (CEO of Design Resources and Fast House Ltd.), emphasise the role of a disciplined lifestyle, exercise, and mental wellness in achieving business success.

Citizens and individuals: The cost of poor lifestyle choices

For individuals, lifestyle choices directly affect long-term financial stability and quality of life.

1. The average Ghanaian spends GH¢1,200-2,500 annually on medical expenses due to preventable diseases.
2. Health-related job losses lead to reduced lifetime earnings and increased dependency on family and government support programs.

A shift in personal lifestyle habits, including balanced diets, regular exercise, and mental wellness practices, can result in longer life expectancy, increased productivity, and financial independence.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle for individual employees and its impact on productivity and sustainability

The lifestyle choices of individual employees play a crucial role in their overall well-being, job performance, and long-term career sustainability. A well-balanced lifestyle—comprising healthy eating, regular exercise, mental wellness, work-life balance, and recreation—has numerous benefits that extend beyond personal health to impact workplace productivity and business sustainability.

Benefits of a healthy lifestyle to individual employees

1. Improved physical health
2. Increased energy levels: Regular exercise and a balanced diet boost stamina and energy levels, reducing fatigue and enabling employees to remain active throughout the workday.
3. Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Healthy lifestyle choices lower the risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases, leading to fewer sick days and lower medical expenses.
4. Enhanced immune system: A strong immune system reduces frequent illnesses, preventing absenteeism and ensuring consistent work performance.
5. Enhanced Mental Well-being
6. Reduced stress and anxiety: Engaging in physical activity, mindfulness practices, and recreational activities reduces workplace stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to better focus and emotional stability.
7. Increased motivation and job satisfaction: Employees who maintain a healthy lifestyle experience greater job satisfaction, which reduces burnout and enhances commitment to their roles.
8. Improved cognitive function: A healthy diet, hydration, and proper sleep enhance memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills, making employees more effective in their work.
9. Increased Work-Life Balance
10. Better time management: Employees who prioritize lifestyle balance manage work responsibilities more efficiently, reducing stress and improving overall job performance.
11. Stronger personal relationships: A balanced lifestyle allows employees to spend quality time with family and friends, leading to emotional fulfillment and reduced work-related stress.
12. Financial benefits
13. Lower healthcare costs: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle reduces medical expenses, enabling employees to save more for future investments.
14. Increased career longevity: Employees with good health habits experience fewer work disruptions and have longer, more stable careers.
15. How a Healthy Lifestyle Impacts Productivity

A productive workforce is the backbone of a company’s success. Employees who adopt healthy lifestyle habits contribute significantly to workplace efficiency and overall performance.

1. Reduced absenteeism and sick leaves
2. Poor health is a major cause of absenteeism. Studies indicate that sedentary employees take 2-3 more sick days per year than active employees.
3. Employees who engage in regular exercise reduce their risk of lifestyle-related diseases by 30-50%, leading to fewer sick days and uninterrupted work schedules.
4. Increased work efficiency and performance
5. Employees with high energy levels and reduced stress are more engaged, focused, and capable of handling workloads effectively.
6. Research shows that workers who engage in fitness activities are 25% more productive than their less active counterparts.

• A survey in Ghana found that 81.7% of corporate employees in Accra were physically inactive, which directly affected their productivity and performance.

1. Enhanced creativity and innovation
2. A healthy mind fosters creativity and problem-solving skills, enabling employees to contribute innovative ideas to their organisations.
3. Recreational activities such as sports, hiking, or music improve cognitive function and teamwork, leading to better collaboration and innovative problem solving.
4. Greater employee engagement and morale
5. Employees with a balanced lifestyle are more engaged and passionate about their work.
6. Higher engagement reduces turnover rates, which saves companies money on recruitment and training.
7. Better decision-making and leadership
8. A clear, focused mind enables better judgment, decision-making, and leadership in high-pressure situations.
9. Executives who prioritise their health demonstrate stronger leadership and inspire their teams to perform at their best.
10. The Long-Term Impact of a Healthy Workforce on Business Sustainability

When employees lead healthy lifestyles, businesses benefit from sustained productivity, profitability, and long-term stability.

1. Reduced healthcare costs for employers
2. Companies that invest in employee wellness programs experience a 20-30% reduction in healthcare costs.
3. Businesses can save up to GH¢1 million annually by reducing employee medical claims.
4. Higher employee retention
5. Employees who maintain good work-life balance and mental wellness stay longer with their employers.
6. Reduced turnover ensures that businesses retain skilled professionals, minimising recruitment and training costs.
7. Sustainable economic growth
8. A productive workforce contributes to higher company profits and economic expansion.
9. Healthy employees drive innovation, increase market competitiveness, and sustain long-term business growth.

Lifestyle as the key to sustainable work performance

For individual employees, adopting a healthy lifestyle leads to improved well-being, career longevity, and financial security. At the organisational level, a healthy workforce translates to increased productivity, reduced costs, and long-term business sustainability.

To maximise workplace efficiency and sustainability, companies and individuals must embrace lifestyle changes that promote health, recreation, and work-life balance. By prioritising well-being, Ghanaian employees can achieve better job performance, increased profitability, and long-term success in their careers.

Conclusion

A call to action for a healthier, more productive Ghana

Ghana’s future economic growth depends on the well-being of its people. Government, local authorities, businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals must all commit to lifestyle improvements to enhance productivity, profitability, and national development.

1. The government must integrate health and wellness policies into economic planning.
2. Local governments must create more recreational spaces.
3. Businesses must implement workplace wellness programs to maximise efficiency and reduce costs.
4. Entrepreneurs must balance work and health for sustainable business success.
5. Individuals must take responsibility for their health, ensuring a prosperous future for themselves and the nation.

By making these intentional lifestyle changes, Ghana can foster a healthier, more productive, and financially prosperous society.