When an employee experiences a long-term health issue, how can an employer best support them and accommodate their additional needs?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a chronic illness as a non-contagious disease that is often caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, behavior, and the environment within which a person lives. They tend to be long-term and slow in progression. As such, people often live for years - even their entire lives - with an underlying chronic condition, such as diabetes or asthma.
However, chronic illnesses can be hugely painful, debilitating, and misunderstood - and a lot more common than you might expect. But there are measures that employers can put in place to manage - and even prevent - chronic illness amongst their workforces, to ensure optimal employee wellbeing.
Empathy and understanding is key
For many, the impact of a chronic health condition is not just physical - it can also have an emotional and mental impact. So much so that chronic diseases are in fact associated with increased levels of depression within the UAE population.
Approach each employee’s health condition on a case-by-case basis, and be sure to make them feel heard and valued in any concerns that they share. An employer should also be responsive to any employee suggestions, wherever possible. For example, someone with Crohn's may request reasonable adjustments, such as the right to work from home as and when needed, or the provision of specialist office equipment.
By cultivating a working environment that encourages open dialogue and transparency around health-related issues, employers can foster a more inclusive and friendly working environment. In turn, this can positively impact overall staff satisfaction and productivity levels.
Check-in regularly - and be ready to change things up
If an employee feels comfortable to do so, it is worth scheduling regular, confidential check-ins with them to ensure that the provisions being made for their health are continuing to work. This demonstrates their value to you as an employee, as well as your commitment to their health.
In fact, a study from Australia and New Zealand has shown that organizations that implement health and wellbeing strategies can reduce their employees’ health risk factors by up to 56%. You may not be able to implement every request, but the smallest effort could go a long way towards keeping an employee’s morale high during difficult times.
Prevention is better than cure
It’s a common saying, grounded in truth - but prevention is better than cure. Many chronic illnesses are triggered by environmental and behavioral factors. By promoting physical and mental wellness in the workplace, employers can set their employees up for a healthier, happier lifestyle.
For example, diabetes is currently one of the greatest factors affecting public health in the UAE, with as many as one in five people living with the disease. And, although type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition, type 2 diabetes is a largely lifestyle-related illness which can be managed and put into remission.
What’s more, according to the Global Obesity Observatory, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia rank within the top 20 countries in the world for obesity rates. Meanwhile, the UAE currently ranks 26th in the global obesity index for men and 20th for women. Obesity is often a major factor in the development of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and certain cancers.
By supporting your employees’ well-being with the provision of fitness and nutrition plans, and remote access to healthcare professionals, you can make an investment in their long-term well-being - and help to prevent the development of chronic illnesses.
And, if you don’t already have one in place, consider enrolling your company in a workplace wellness program - the initial outlay could ultimately save your business considerable time, resources and money in the future.
Optimize your company’s healthcare package
The provision of medical insurance for all employees has been mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi since 2014. However, corporate health insurance comes in many shapes and sizes, and not every plan will be the right one for your business.
At GulfCare, we provide premium group healthcare insurance for employees across the GCC. Our tailored insurance packages are fully customizable, to ensure that you are best meeting the needs of your employees.
For example, in addition to our range of wellness benefits, we offer chronic illness support through our Chronic Medication Scheme (CMS). You can join our CMS any time during your policy, so that your employees can get their regular medication dispensed quickly and efficiently, without the need for a consultation. Your employees will also receive reminders when they need to restock on medication, and can opt-in for our at-home prescription delivery service.
Living with a chronic condition can have a profound impact on a person’s life. But it should not be a barrier to professional fulfillment. Be sure to consider what you as an employer can do to help your workforce thrive, whatever their circumstances.
For more information on GulfCare and our range of tailored plans, get in touch today.
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