The US Census Bureau recently reported that median household income has increased between 2005 and 2006, and less Americans are living in poverty. In addition, more people are working more hours. For instance, the average work week in California is about 55 hours and 12% of workers have more than one job. Couple this level of work activity with the overall stable economy (albeit recent events in the housing and lending markets), and low unemployment rates, it appears as if Americans are relatively prosperous.

But even while making more money, more are living without health insurance. Many companies have minimized employee benefits including insurance coverage, which was traditionally covered by employers in the past. Additionally, those who have decided to work independently as part of the home based business sector may not be making considerations for health insurance. Overall, health insurance costs appear to have risen for consumers and employers, which many believe is a result of the unrelenting, for-profit orientation on many insurance companies.

Numerous non-profit, public health and governmental agencies have reported the connections between physical and mental health with working conditions. Some have suggested the importance of offering extensive benefits to employees especially in low-wage positions, as they are often more stressful than higher wage jobs which can take a toll on employees. Now, even economists and investor groups are suggesting that a new emphasis on health is vital to continued earnings and productivity---not just for employees, but for companies and the economy.

Poor health in workers and their families has been shown to result in lost work time, which lowers employee productivity. In turn, decreased earnings from lost work can diminish contributions to the US economy through spending. The relationships between physical and financial health may be closer than originally thought.

Employers have addressed the physical and financial health connection in a number of ways. Because of the detrimental effects of smoking for not only smokers, but also those exposed to second-hand smoke, some companies have instituted smoke-free environments. Even with many companies scaling back insurance coverage or requiring higher employee contributions to insurance plans, a few companies offer full insurance coverage to part-time workers and their families. Additionally, many of the self-employed can get group health insurance rates through memberships in unions or alumni associations to lower the cost of insurance as an independent entrepreneur.

It is important to take great care in physical health and well-being whether you are salaried employee, independent contractor, small business owner or employer as it has direct and indirect effects to individual earnings, workplace productivity and even US economy overall.

References

Houston Business Journal. Income, uninsured rise while poverty declines, Census says.

Maureen McInaney. California labor market is strong, but workers in poor health don't benefit, UCSF study reports.

Medical News Today. Health Care is a Priority When Low-Income Workers Choose Benefits.