Smoking and alcohol intake to blame for absenteeism

Smoking and excessive alcohol intake lead to an average 20% absenteeism of employees in offices per week, according to a study conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). The study said that about 2% of corporate employees were involved in self-destructive lifestyle habits.

The habits included smoking, excessive alcohol intake and eating junk food, which lead to chronic illnesses. It was found that 12% employees smoke and eat excessive junk food.

The study, Preventive Health Care, found that although corporate employees are health-conscious and keep fit to meet their deadlines, 29% of them indulge in smoking while another 5% smoke and also have an excessive intake of alcohol, leading to an average absenteeism of 20% per week.

Such lifestyle results in a loss of productivity estimated at Rs70,000-80,000 million annually.

The rise in demanding schedules and high stress levels in corporate India was also leading to sleep disorders among people. Loss of sleep results in daytime fatigue, physical discomfort, psychological stress and performance deterioration.

Nearly 24% of corporate employees slept less than six hours daily which, in turn, affected their productivity, the study said.