The employed segment of the population is increasingly becoming unhealthy, according to a new survey by CareerBuilder. This downslide in employee health is attributed to their working patterns.

According to the survey, 40 per cent of the respondents said they have gained weight since starting their present job with 10 per cent admitting to a weight gain in excess of 4.5kg.

Just 13 per cent of employees said they have lost weight since joining their current workplace.

The study also revealed that 58 per cent of workers sat at their desks all day; 38 per cent were too tired from work to exercise; 28 per cent were frequently tempted by the office biscuit tin; nearly a third (32 per cent) confessed to stress eating and 13 per cent said they ate out regularly.

The majority of workers (68 per cent) say that their employers don’t provide gym passes, access to workout facilities or wellbeing benefits; 41 per cent of these respondents added they would use these facilities if made available to them.

From the perspective of long-term productivity and profitability of the company, employers should be more invested in the health of their employees by encouraging them to adopt healthy lifestyles. Bad health will only negatively impact the time and attendance of staff members.

Mitrefinch Australia is a leading provider of employee time and attendance management solutions.