That, in turn, can lead to more productive workers who have fewer sick days and cost less to insure.
Covering fewer sick patients translates to bigger profits for Big Insurance, but less healthcare for those who need it most.
Several studies, however, have shown that college-educated officers receive fewer brutality complaints and take fewer sick days.
The low-tech movement likely has to do with advancing the companies' own goals, too — and not only by getting people to take fewer sick days.
Verizon is pushing the unions to accept far-reaching concessions, including a pension freeze, fewer sick days and having workers contribute far more toward their health coverage.
"We hope to get the staff members taking fewer sick days and feeling better mentally and physically after they've worked shorter days," said Mats Pilhem, the deputy mayor.
Physically active workers take 27% fewer sick days, and increasing evidence shows that improving the health of a workforce makes good business sense.
As part of the deal, the 121,000-member union also agreed to fewer sick days, holidays and vacation days for new workers.
The government estimates that 500,000 fewer sick and disabled working age people will receive DLA by 2015 as result of DLA reforms.
But even when it is accepted that a happier workforce takes fewer sick days and is more productive, he says, offering meaningful support is easier said than done.
Research by Stanford University has found that remote workers are 13% more productive, take fewer sick days and enjoy a quieter working environment than their commuting colleagues.
