Human Resources Issues for Senior Management
Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/605961
CANADIAN HR STRATEGY/11 FEATURE/roundtable offers healthy options, or only offers healthy foods, that's what you will consume. "If there's vending machines everywhere and you're on a quick break, that's what you'll consume. If you're in a peer group that doesn't exercise or doesn't take regular breaks, that's what you will do. So it is really mobilizing health behaviours that I think will win in this battle that we're having, and trying to change our social norms." The Canadian HR Reporter roundtable on diabetes in the workplace brought together a panel of industry professionals offering differ- ent perspectives on how employers can under- stand and support diabetes in the workplace. The session covered various topics includ- ing the basics of diabetes, its impact on Cana- dians, employer responsibilities, and opportu- nities to address the rising incidence of this disease. There were a few emerging themes from this roundtable that are worth noting. One key theme was that the incidence of diabetes is rising and employers can play a key role to address this, especially through workplace prevention programs. If current trends continue, 1 in 3 Canadians will have diabetes or pre-diabetes by 2020 1 . And re- search shows that over half of all new cases of diabetes arise in people of working age 2 . Another key theme was the nancial im- pact that diabetes can have on employers. For example, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, diabetes medication ranks second in drug spending by employer-spon- sored plans 3 . The panelists also emphasized that wellness programs that target risk factors associated with diabetes go beyond the bot- tom line, and provide value in areas such as improved productivity and engagement. Additionally, the panelists noted that there is a connection between mental health and diabetes. One way to address mental health issues, whether related to diabetes or exist- ing on their own, is through manager train- ing. Well-trained managers have the ability to distinguish between health issues and perfor- mance issues, and also understand their role and duty to support employees under Cana- da's human rights legislation. And, nally, there was valuable discus- sion around the solutions employers can implement and the importance of a strategic approach. Many of the panelists noted vari- ous wellness programs can support diabetes prevention, including nutrition education, exercise initiatives, health challenges, and employee and family support resources. An important step in addressing and support- ing diabetes in the workplace is to leverage resources, partnerships, and technology. A strategic approach to diabetes can ultimately help organizations lower costs, increase pro- ductivity, improve employee morale, and change the lives of Canadians. Sun Life has a mission to help slow the advance of diabetes and its related complica- tions by supporting the health and wellness of our customers, employees and the com- munity. Our commitment includes a signi - cant investment in the cause and providing targeted prevention solutions for employers and support for individuals who are suffering from the condition. Sun Life sponsored this roundtable be- cause our vision is to help create a healthy Canada — one organization, one employee at a time. We believe that employee health is core to the foundation of establishing a posi- tive work culture and supporting optimal or- ganizational success. We are committed to organizational health, which means everything from the physical and psychological wellbeing of employees to the employer's bottom line. And we aim to connect the dots in between to help ensure that employers can measure and understand the value of the investments they make in the health of their employees. For more information on how employers can address diabetes in the workplace, visit sunlife.ca/diabetesaction. Group Bene ts are offered by Sun Life Assur- ance Company of Canada, a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. 1 Canadian Diabetes Association. Diabetes: Canada at the tipping point—charting a new path. 2011. 2 Public Health Agency of Canada, Diabetes 2011 Facts and Figures 3 TELUS Block of Business data, 2013 Understanding Diabetes in the Workplace