15 Ways HR Can Support Employee Health

From PartnerMD, SHRM-Atlanta’s Official Concierge Medicine Partner

Employee health is essential for maintaining productivity, fostering a positive workplace environment, and reducing absenteeism.

As an HR professional, you can promote wellness initiatives that help your employees achieve better physical and mental health.

In this article, we’ll explore what you can do to help your employees manage stress, monitor cardiovascular health, and support weight management. These three strategies can create a healthier and more resilient workforce.

5 Ways HR Can Help Employees Manage Stress

Chronic stress is a significant issue, with 83% of U.S. workers suffering from work-related stress,* leading to burnout and decreased productivity.

By implementing effective stress management strategies, HR can play a crucial role in fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.

Encourage a positive mindset: Help employees recognize what they can control and adopt strategies to handle what they can’t.

Promote physical activity: Encourage regular exercise, which is proven to reduce stress and boost mood.

Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms: Discourage the use of overeating, smoking, and excessive drinking as stress relievers. These habits can lead to long-term health problems.

Foster relaxation: Offer resources for meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practices to promote relaxation.

Prioritize self-care: Stress management should also include good sleep habits, a balanced diet, and time for leisure activities.

*Source: https://www.osha.gov/workplace-stress

5 Ways HR Can Help Employees Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 17.9 million deaths annually.*

HR departments can work to help employees adopt heart-healthy habits, reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, and promote overall wellness.

Provide healthy snacks: Stock breakrooms with nutritious, heart-healthy options.

Encourage healthy competitions: Promote walking challenges or fitness-related activities to encourage regular exercise.

Stand-up desks: Introduce stand-up desks or encourage periodic breaks to reduce sedentary behavior.

Reward healthy behaviors: Consider rewarding employees who participate in wellness initiatives or reach specific health milestones.

Lead by example: Ensure leadership participates in wellness programs to demonstrate a commitment to health.

These can encourage employees to stay on top of their cardiovascular health and help prevent small issues from becoming larger, more costly problems.

*Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

5 Ways HR Can Support Weight Management for Employees

Over 70% of American adults are overweight or obese,* contributing to increased healthcare costs and absenteeism.

By supporting weight management initiatives, HR can help employees lead healthier lives and improve workplace morale and productivity.

Understand body composition: Encourage employees to focus on body fat percentage rather than just weight, as muscle mass and overall health play key roles in wellness.

Encourage regular exercise: Support employees in finding a sustainable exercise routine that fits their lifestyle.

Promote healthy eating: Offer guidance on creating balanced, nutritious diets rich in protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Use health metrics: Encourage your employees to receive regular health checkups, such as blood panels, to track key indicators like cholesterol and glucose levels.

Address emotional aspects: Acknowledge the emotional challenges of weight loss, including stress and the risk of rebounding weight gain, and offer resources for support.

*Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/12328/

How PartnerMD Can Help You Support Your Workforce

As an HR leader, your influence extends beyond payroll and benefits administration. By addressing workplace stress, cardiovascular health, and weight management, you can work toward a healthier and more productive workforce.

One more way you can help your employees? By providing resources that educate and motivate your workforce to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

And that’s where we come in.

As the Official Concierge Medicine Partner of SHRM-Atlanta, we’re excited to offer complimentary Wellness Workshops for your company.

Whether you’re looking for a webinar or an in-person presentation, our physicians and health coach are ready to build a workshop that fits your company’s needs. Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier workplace for your employees.