So, why was heart disease (and mortality) so low in this small town of Italian-Americans? Was it their diet? Nope, these men smoke and drank freely and cooked all of their food in lard, not the lighter oils from their home country. In fact, many men in this town were quite overweight. And it wasn't genetic, as men from Roseto, Italy who settled in other areas in America fit right into the national averages for heart disease. So why on earth were these men so heart-healthy whereas the rest of America was dropping like flies from heart disease?
Social Support. Many Rosetans lived in multi-generational households, where older family members were revered, and all were very active in their church groups and other social groups in their community. Many took evening strolls where they would stop and greet neighbors, and the town was filled with laughter and good humor. If one Rosetan was down on his luck, the others would make sure that his family always had enough, and they worked to spread the wealth throughout their town. Rosetans knew they would always be cared for, and each person knew his or her role in the community.
How does this translate to corporate wellness? Here's a bit of food for thought:
- Having a Friend At Work Doesn't Just Help Engagement. #10 on Gallup's 12 Elements of Great Managing doesn't just help engage employees and increase retention rates, but actually makes them healthier. Encouraging friendship formation through employee resource groups, group activities (these can be healthy ones too like group exercise classes), or company-wide picnics has huge benefits to the organization.
- Consider Adding Social Aspects to your Healthy Nutrition and Fitness Programs. Do double duty here by creating support groups or walking groups and encouraging inter-departmental mingling in a healthy way. While birthday parties and celebrations are a great way to bring people together, make sure that these events are not centered around unhealthy food options, and use these as an opportunity to cross-market wellness events or programs as well.
- Encourage Positive Feedback Systems. All too often, we focus on the negatives-what went wrong here so we can fix it for next time-instead of the positives-what went right here so we can build upon our successes. Make sure that your employee performance reviews and project feedback meetings include some time for highlighting wins, and do not underestimate the importance of employee recognition. A small appreciative gesture goes a long way in creating a lighter, more social culture.
- Make Time for Volunteering. One of the best ways to lift yourself out of a funk is to help someone else, and group volunteer efforts do wonders in forming new relationships and camaraderie among employees. In addition to increasing the company's Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, community service projects lead to better mental and physical health, skill development, and a better social life. Help connect employees to volunteer efforts, or organize partnerships/volunteer days for your organization.
What else can we learn from Roseto, PA? How can you add more social aspects into your workday without taking too much time away from your desk?
Be.Well.Now.
