Professor Ciaran O'Boyle, Director of the RCSI Institute of Leadership welcomed the launch of the Aviva Workplace Health Index. The Index which is based on a national survey of employers and employees in Ireland shows that 90% of Irish employers say that employee health and wellbeing have a direct effect on productivity.

Professor O'Boyle said, "This research gives us an insight into wellness economics and the reality of working life today. Apart from the challenge of really tough trading conditions, the lines between work and time-off have become blurred by technology. The challenge for business organisations in this "always-on" environment is to be aware of the pressure it puts on the workforce and ultimately on their business performance.

"Researchers have found that presenteeism can cut individual productivity by one-third or more. This has a negative impact on the effectiveness of organisations and the wellbeing of the workforce. Presenteeism, unlike absenteeism, is difficult to detect.

"Clearly, the management challenge is to increase productivity without compromising the wellbeing of the workforce. Chronic stress impairs both physical and mental health and is an increasing phenomenon in today's fast paced organisations. The leadership challenge is to foster resilience in the workforce in order to create organisations that can respond to challenge without diminishing the wellbeing of employees," continued Professor O'Boyle.