A new article from Bruce Sherman, MD, FCCP, FACOEM argues that employers should expand their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to include workforce health. Namely, the authors emphasize the importance of considering the impact of socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic differences in determining equitable organizational structure, goals, and systems. The authors argue for three generalizable business focus areas that businesses should work to improve: (1) organizational culture; (2) workplace as a determinant of health; and (3) population health management. To improve organizational culture to account for health disparities, businesses should review their practices using a new model that recognizes the impact of a living wage, equitable and valued benefits, and the business value of a healthy workforce. Next, businesses should consider social determinants of health in the workplace, including the physical workplace environment; policies related to wages, leave, and career advancement; and relationships between individuals and groups. Finally, population health management and planning should be driven by equity, and should match the various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic needs to make benefits work for different population subgroups. Read the full article here.
Last Updated on January 6, 2021 by Aimed Alliance
