Every year on September 29th, the world comes together to recognize World Heart Day, an initiative created by the World Heart Federation to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the importance of heart health.
With heart disease being the leading cause of death globally, this day serves as a critical reminder to take proactive steps in maintaining a healthy heart—not just for individuals but also within the workplace.
The workplace and cardiovascular health
In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the role workplaces play in promoting heart health. Companies are beginning to recognise that a healthy workforce is not only good for employees but also for business.
Dr Olivier Lo, Group Medical Director for Occupational Health Services at International SOS, emphasised the importance of addressing heart health within corporate settings.
“Organisations worldwide have a Duty of Care to foster work environments that promote the heart health of their employees, as this can play a significant role in preventing cardiovascular disease,” Lo said.
He explained that heart disease can have serious financial implications for businesses, including costs related to healthcare services, absenteeism, and presenteeism (where employees are physically present but not fully productive due to illness).
Additional expenses can arise from hiring temporary staff or paying overtime to cover for absent employees, alongside potential increases in health insurance premiums.
Investing in employee heart health isn't just good for employees—it’s also a smart business strategy. Lo highlighted that addressing cardiovascular health proactively helps companies mitigate these risks.
Implementing comprehensive health and wellness programs, such as regular health screenings, fitness initiatives, and educational workshops, can contribute significantly to reducing heart disease and stroke rates.
This can ultimately lead to reduced healthcare costs and improved overall productivity in the long run.
“By implementing comprehensive health and wellness programmes, such as regular health screenings, fitness initiatives, and educational workshops on healthy lifestyle choices, organisations can help their employees maintain better heart health,” Lo explained.
“In the long run, investing in employee health can lead to a more sustainable and productive future for the workforce.”
Seven ways to promote heart health at work
To help organizations better support cardiovascular health in the workplace, the International SOS recommends the following seven measures:
Create a heart-healthy culture: Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes health and well-being. Encourage employees to take breaks, stay hydrated, and seek medical advice when needed.
A supportive environment can motivate employees to adopt heart-healthy habits.
Encourage regular health screenings: Offering regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors can enable early detection and management of conditions that could lead to more serious health issues.
Healthy eating initiatives: Provide access to nutritious food options in the workplace, and educate employees on the importance of a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Promote regular physical activity: Encourage employees to engage in regular physical activity by offering wellness programs or providing on-site fitness facilities.
Stress management programs: Stress is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Offering resources, workshops, or programs aimed at managing stress can help employees cope better, thereby reducing their cardiovascular risk.
Education and awareness campaigns: Organize workshops or informational sessions on cardiovascular health. Raise awareness about the risks of heart disease and provide practical advice on how employees can protect their heart health.
Smoking cessation support: Smoking is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, contributing to approximately 17% of all CVD deaths globally.
Offering support and resources for employees who wish to quit smoking, such as counselling or cessation programs, can have a significant positive impact.
A collective responsibility: World Heart Day serves as a reminder that heart health is a shared responsibility between individuals, healthcare providers, and employers. Cardiovascular diseases not only affect personal health but also have broad societal and economic implications.
By fostering healthier work environments, organizations can play a crucial role in reducing the global burden of heart disease.
As we reflect on the importance of heart health this World Heart Day, it's clear that businesses can take significant strides in promoting healthier lifestyles among their employees.
The benefits of such efforts extend far beyond the workplace, creating a ripple effect that can lead to healthier communities and a healthier world.
“In the long run, investing in employee health can lead to a more sustainable and productive future for the workforce,” Lo reiterated, emphasizing that the time to act is now.