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.
Study: Commercial Apps, Rewards Programs Linked With Increased Activity Levels
As smartphone technology advances and wearable devices become more ubiquitous, many wellness programs seek to utilize fitness tracking apps and tools to monitor and offer incentives for physical activity. However, it can be difficult to gauge how inspiring (or discouraging) this is for users and whether or not it has a substantial impact on people’s health habits and activity levels.
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.
EEOC Announces New Rules For Wellness Program Incentives
On June 11, the EEOC voted in favor of a proposed rule regarding incentives in employer wellness programs. This new proposal clarifies the level of incentives employers may legally offer in their wellness programs that encourage the disclosure of medical information from employees, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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.
Amazon Sued Over COVID-19 Employee Safety Concerns
For many employers, it isn’t just health fears or financial concerns alone that are driving their return-to-work policies. Some worry about legal risks, should a worker become sick or a spread of the illness begins in their workspace—and it appears such concerns are not totally unreasonable.