Recently, dozens of small businesses attended “The State of Small Business,” a Washington Post Live event sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. The event joined policymakers and entrepreneurs to discuss opportunities and challenges for small businesses in the United States. During the event, keynote speakers and panels discussed a series of topics, including health care, that affect small business growth.
During a panel discussion, Tom Carter, National Vice President, Workforce Health Consulting Group, discussed how the health of employees can affect business strategy and the importance of offering quality health care to an organization’s workforce.
“Employees enjoy their jobs and they want it to be interesting and rewarding for them personally,” Carter said. “If you’re unhealthy or distracted due to something that is happening in your life, you’re not going to be as happy at work, or as happy personally.”
Nearly half of Americans suffer from one chronic condition and these chronic conditions account for 86 percent of health care costs. Health is critical lever in driving improved productivity, not just a component of an employee’s compensation.
The Washington Post Live series is a platform for top-level government and business leaders, emerging voices and newsmakers discuss the most pressing national and global issues of the day. During the November “The State of Small Business” event, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow spoke, along with representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
You can learn more about the event here and can view Tom’s complete discussion here.
