Here’s how to create a workplace that prioritizes healthcare advocacy and equity.
A supportive work environment not only prioritizes productivity but also supports employee wellbeing. Everyone deserves access to healthcare and healthcare resources, and your wellbeing program is the perfect catalyst for creating a workplace that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of employees.
When you take care of your employees, they take care of you. They are more loyal, productive, and happy.
But how do you support your employee's health and wellbeing? There’s lots to consider—but that’s what this article is about. We explain what healthcare advocacy and equity are, why they are essential in the workplace, and how to foster a supportive workplace culture where every employee can get the help they need when they need it.
What is healthcare advocacy?
Healthcare advocacy is how you promote access to quality healthcare and how you signpost support resources for your employees.
This can include raising awareness of specific issues, such as mental health or diabetes, and also supportive policies, such as flexible scheduling for health appointments.
You can also dive deeper by using medical claims data to provide healthcare advocacy support to your employees on topics that matter most. For example, if postural issue-related claims increase, you can invest in ergonomic-friendly office equipment or a health talk on how to improve workplace posture for comfort.
All employees should be able to get help and support when they need it most.
Healthcare advocacy also includes other policies that support employee health, including:
Mental health days
Flexible scheduling
Telehealth options
Paid sick and parental leave
Financial wellness programs
When you advocate and support your employees' physical and mental health, you ensure they get the help they need when they need it. It’s what separates a good place to work from a great workplace.
What is healthcare equity?
Healthcare equity is similar to healthcare advocacy but is more concerned with ensuring fair access to resources—making sure employees have the tools they need when they need them.
This includes equal accessibility, such as:
Accommodating work schedules
Remote access and flex work options
Access to disability accommodations (e.g., modified workspaces)
Financial support for preventive care
A healthy workplace culture also contributes to healthcare equity. This can include a wellness program that encourages healthy habits, such as movement and hydration challenges. However, a key point is that the challenges are accessible and inclusive for all employees. Instead of a step challenge, focus on movement, for example.
How to support healthcare advocacy and equity at work
An employer who supports healthcare advocacy and equity at work provides accessible healthcare and support to help employees get the help they need when they need it.
To support healthcare advocacy at work further, consider expanding your wellness offerings. A comprehensive wellness program focused on improving holistic employee health can include:
Movement and wellbeing challenges
Mental health support
Educational talks
Team building activities
Fitness and stress management sessions
Key takeaways
Healthcare advocacy is how you promote access to quality healthcare
Healthcare equity is ensuring all employees have equal access to support
Signpost what help is available and how to access it
Make your wellbeing program accessible to all employees
Host educational talks and wellbeing sessions that focus on helping employees with current problems which they may be facing
FAQs
How do you demonstrate equality and diversity in healthcare?
To demonstrate equality and diversity in healthcare, provide equal opportunities and access to support for all employees. Diversity and inclusion training can also help improve education and awareness.
What is an example of equality in healthcare?
An example of equality in healthcare is ensuring every person has equal access to opportunities. For instance, in a workplace environment, all employees should have access to workplace challenges they can participate in (step challenges, for example, exclude certain disabilities and other conditions, whereas movement challenges are more inclusive).
How to promote health equity at work?
To promote health equity at work, improve access to healthcare, and support resources regardless of disability, race, or other identifiers.
Looking for more? Contact a Wellbeing Manager to discuss your organizational wellbeing needs.
We provide workplace teams with mindful practices, personal and professional wellbeing growth, fitness instruction, and opportunities for social connection. We aim to inspire the highest potential in people at work, in life, every day, so they can show up healthy and at their best.