Employers have a unique opportunity to promote cardiovascular health. More than 60% of US adults are employed, and most spend half of their waking hours at work. Employees want to know that companies value their own well-being and companies want to keep their employees healthy. Encouraging more vegetables and fruit, honoring movement breaks and offering resources for managing stress are few ways employers show they value their workforce and care about their health.
Cardiovascular disease can be costly and continues to be a global health concern. Offering a worksite wellness program provides the opportunity for health education on heart health. It can assist in reducing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, create a strong culture of health and social support.
Promoting heart healthy habits in the workplace such as screenings, early interventions and identifying risk factors has been shown to be beneficial, reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease in employees.
Top 3 ways to encourage employee heart health
- Encourage more vegetables and fruit. Food choices can significantly impact heart health. Since employees spend most of their time working, employers have a unique opportunity educate on nutrition and the importance of heart health. A study from the National Institute of Health recommend access to healthy foods as a strategy to improve an employee’s diet. Studies encourage increasing vegetable and fruit intake because it reduces the risk of heart disease significantly. Making it easy for onsite employees to grab a healthy snack is one way to support their health. In addition to easy access, educating on why food choices matter brings awareness to daily habits. The Life’s Simple 7 is a great tool for one to review and learn from on how to eat better. This provides simple changes one can do at both home and the workplace to increase a heart healthy diet in their daily life.
- Honor movement breaks. Many of us work at a desk where we spend long hours in the same position. Research tells us sitting can be tough on our bodies and our minds. In addition to encouraging your employees to practice desk exercises, honor movement breaks away from the desk, too. Stretching, getting up and moving around can help wake up our bodies and reset our minds. One study found that a 20-minute bout of exercise improved focus and decision making for all. So start small. Offer tips to employees such as standing when the phone rings, taking a walking meeting, or setting a reminder to take stretch breaks. Taking a walking meeting for even just 10 minutes a day can add years to your employee’s lives. Movement can support a happy and healthy workplace for all.
- Tools and resources for managing stress and building resilience. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a top health concern within the United States. Many of us do not realize the effect stress can have on our heart health. High levels of stress, low levels of physical activity and poor nutrition are modifiable risk factors that can help reduce CVD within your organization. High stress levels can be associated with financial worries, work related stress and family demands. Providing employees with the tools and resources to help with stress can help to reduce risk factors like high blood pressure. Educating employees on stress management techniques such as deep breathing, resilience practices, and relaxation practices can help them better cope with and manage stress.
Within a corporate wellness program, employers have the opportunity to promote heart healthy habits in the workplace. How are you promoting heart health for your team?
