The Saint Lucia Employers’ Federation (SLEF) is lending its voice to the national campaign for healthier lifestyles by calling on businesses across the island to make workplace wellness a strategic priority.
At a recently held breakfast meeting, the Federation urged employers to take a more proactive role in supporting the health and well-being of their teams. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the rise and health-related costs continuing to burden both employers and the national system, SLEF Executive Director, Ms. Cornelia Jn Baptiste, emphasized that a healthier workforce is directly linked to greater productivity and business continuity.
“Non-communicable diseases and other illnesses are increasing. As employers, we’ve seen the growing need to support the national agenda championed by the Ministry of Health and the NIC,” said Ms. Jn Baptiste. “We must encourage employees to live active lifestyles, eat healthier, and pay attention to their overall well-being. Healthier employees lead to more productive businesses.”
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), the Federation is encouraging its members to introduce practical wellness initiatives ranging from physical activity to mental health support in their daily operations.
Examples already being implemented by local businesses include company “sneaker days,” water-only days, team exercise sessions, and designated relaxation or mental wellness spaces. Some organisations have gone a step further by investing in on-site gyms or offering extended lunch hours for physical activity.
“What we heard at the meeting was phenomenal,” added Ms. Jn Baptiste. “Many employers are already innovating, and we want to inspire others to explore these approaches. It’s about creating a culture where well-being is a shared value not just for the benefit of the employee, but for the employer and the economy as a whole.”
The Federation also highlighted sobering data from the NIC, which showed a high volume of health-related benefit claims. These statistics have prompted renewed discussions among employers on the true cost of absenteeism and the importance of preventive health strategies.
“The NIC’s data revealed the scale of the issue, and while there may be instances of sick leave abuse, there are also many genuine cases of illness. These findings underscore the urgent need for workplace health promotion as a tool for both employee support and business resilience,” Jn Baptiste stated.
The Saint Lucia Employers’ Federation is now calling on businesses large and small to implement workplace wellness policies that prioritize the physical and mental health of their employees. The message is clear: healthier teams build stronger businesses, and together, they fuel a more productive nation.