COVID-19 Response Linked To Decrease In Physical Activity Levels
In communities across the world, COVID-19 has affected people’s daily routines in countless ways. It comes as no surprise, then, that new research suggests that daily activity habits have taken an unhealthy hit as people stay home and businesses close.
With Reopening Plans Underway, Employers Shouldn’t Leave Out Benefits Changes
In May, the IRS issued a notice giving employers the option to allow employees to make changes to their health insurance plans and benefits enrollment. Employers should make an effort to reconsider benefits in order to best support their workforce as they adjust to reopening plans and new work policies.
USPSTF Recommends Hypertension Screening for All Adults
Hypertension is one of the most common physical health issues today. According to the CDC, nearly half of all American adults struggle with high blood pressure. With that in mind, it’s no surprise the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends screening all adults for hypertension.
Why Higher Salaries Aren’t Creating Happier Employees
Salary is, understandably, one of the most important factors employees look at when applying for a new job. While there is no denying the appeal of a generous salary, in reality, this may not be the key to producing happier employees.
Long Live The Water Cooler Conversation: One Shortcoming Of Remote Work
What is often considered a harmless distraction for office workers may actually be providing some long-neglected wellness and productivity benefits. As more and more jobs offer remote work options, the daily social ritual of small talk or “water cooler conversations”—and any benefits they might be carrying with them—seem to be fading fast.
Study: Tobacco Cessation Programs Need More Than Behavioral Interventions
One of the most substantial ways to improve employee well-being is by helping them quit smoking through tobacco cessation programs, which often include behavioral interventions. However, research suggests that behavioral support on its own may not be enough, and using medication in conjunction with behavioral interventions can significantly improve the success rates for quitting.
CDC Releases Reopening Recommendations For Office Spaces
Communities across the country are in the process of lifting restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. For white-collar workers that have largely been able to perform job tasks remotely, companies have been less eager to get back into their office space. Still, as these reopenings progress, more businesses are setting up new health and safety protocols for their office spaces.
Study: Wellness Programs Improve Employee’s Health Beliefs, Not Clinical Outcomes
Researchers at the University of Illinois conducted a two-year study on the efficacy of workplace wellness programs. Coupled with previous research, their results seem to suggest a less-than-perfect impression of how effective wellness programs can be at reducing costs and providing measurable improvements in workforce wellness. However, it is important to distinguish what is and is not being measured in the studies.
As Businesses Reopen, Immunity Tests Are Losing Favor
As businesses reopen, many are turning to antibody tests in order to determine who is less likely to spread the disease or fall ill. However, most US companies will not be implementing the tests. Instead, they plan to focus on the use of face masks, temperature checks, diagnostic tests, and social distancing.