Keeping Blood Pressure in Check: A Workplace Guide | TotalWellness

Written by Lisa Stovall | Mon, Nov 25, 2024

Taking care of employees' health is a big part of making sure they feel their best at work. And one important part of health that often gets overlooked?

Blood pressure.

The numbers are staggering: nearly half of U.S. adults — 48.1%, or 119.9 million people — have high blood pressure. That’s defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg, or individuals who are taking blood pressure medication to manage it.

Having high blood pressure puts people at serious increased risk for heart disease and stroke — two of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, in 2022 alone, high blood pressure was the primary contributing factor in 685,875 deaths across the country.

High blood pressure doesn’t usually have clear signs, but it can cause big problems if it’s not managed. That’s why it’s important for companies to keep their workers’ heart health on their radar. When employers help employees stay on top of their blood pressure, they’re investing in a healthier, happier workforce.

Here’s why employers should start paying attention to high blood pressure at work.

What is Blood Pressure and Why Does it Matter?

Blood pressure is simply the pressure of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. When it gets too high, it can put extra strain on your heart, blood vessels, and other vital organs. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has earned the nickname "the silent killer" because it often doesn’t come with any warning signs. But if it’s left unchecked, it can lead to serious issues like a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.

According to the CDC, nearly half of adults with uncontrolled high blood pressure have readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher. That’s 37 million U.S. adults! The surprising part? Many of them don’t even know they’re at increased risk.

Our findings echo these concerns. In 2023, TotalWellness measured the blood pressure of 127,000 employees, and the results were alarming: only 43% had normal blood pressure.

For employers, this is a clear sign that action needs to be taken. With most people spending so much time at work, the workplace is a perfect place to help employees monitor their health.

Why Should Employers Care?

When symptoms of hypertension do show up, they can include things like shortness of breath, bad headaches, nosebleeds, feeling really anxious, or even sensing a pulsing in your head or neck. Older adults and African Americans are more at risk for high blood pressure, but things like being overweight, not eating healthy, not getting enough exercise, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking can also increase the chances of developing it. The tricky part? Only one in four adults living with elevated blood pressure has it under control.

When employees have high blood pressure at work, it doesn’t just affect them — it affects the whole workplace. Combined with job stress, high blood pressure can lead to lower productivity, more sick days, and higher healthcare costs. However, by keeping an eye on this vital health factor, employers can help create a healthier workplace.

Offering regular blood pressure checks, wellness programs, and health education can make a big difference.

What Can Employers Do to Help?

Employers can play a key role in helping employees manage high blood pressure and improve their overall heart health. Here are some simple, yet effective ways companies can support their workforce:

1. Move More Breaks

Encourage "mini-movement" breaks every hour where employees stretch or walk for five minutes to get some physical activity. You can add a social element by creating a walking club or hosting lunchtime group walks to get the heart pumping.

2. Hydration Challenges

Host a "Hydration Challenge" where employees track their water intake throughout the day. Set daily goals and reward participation. While drinking water is not a treatment for high blood pressure, it can help sustain healthier blood pressure.

3. Healthy Snack Swap

Stock breakrooms with heart-healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and whole grains instead of salty chips and sugary treats. You could even organize a "Healthy Snack Swap" where employees bring in their favorite blood pressure-friendly snacks to share.

4. Deskercise Programs

Introduce desk-friendly exercises like seated leg lifts or shoulder rolls to keep the body active without leaving the desk. Include instructional videos or host virtual “deskercise” sessions.

5. Mindful Minutes

Implement daily five-minute meditation or breathing exercises to reduce stress, which is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Check out these eight tips for bringing mindfulness to your workday.

6. Blood Pressure Awareness Days

Organize regular blood pressure check-ins where employees can quickly and easily monitor their numbers. Provide educational resources on managing blood pressure and reducing sodium intake.

7. Healthy Cooking Demonstrations

Invite a nutritionist or chef to do a live cooking demo focused on low-sodium, heart-healthy recipes. Employees can learn simple, tasty meals to prepare at home that support blood pressure management.

8. Relaxation Zones

Create a designated “relaxation zone” in the office with calming music, comfortable seating, and soft lighting. Encourage employees to take short breaks here to reduce stress levels. Managing stress can significantly reduce high blood pressure.

9. On-Site Yoga or Stretching Classes

Offer on-site yoga or stretching classes designed to reduce tension and promote relaxation, which can help lower high blood pressure. A 2019 review published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that people who practiced yoga for about an hour five times a week over 13 weeks saw a big drop in their blood pressure. The results were even better when they added in breathing exercises and meditation.

10. Education Workshops

Host workshops on topics like the effects of stress on blood pressure, heart-healthy diets, and the importance of physical activity. Bring in health experts to provide personalized tips and strategies for employees. Having expert guidance can make employees more aware of their health and choices.

11. Biometric screenings

Set up easy access to blood pressure screenings at the workplace. Offering annual biometric screenings can help employees monitor their numbers and catch high blood pressure early.

These 11 activities not only help lower blood pressure by promoting healthier habits and getting everyone moving, but they also bring people together! By joining in, employees can build stronger relationships, feel more connected to their coworkers, and create a supportive, engaged workplace community.

Making Blood Pressure a Priority in the Workplace

Employers have the power to make a real difference when it comes to helping employees manage high blood pressure. Implementing simple heart health programs, reducing work stress, offering support, and creating a healthy work environment are all steps in the right direction. But sometimes, having expert help can take things even further.

At TotalWellness, we specialize in offering convenient on-site screenings to help employees keep track of their blood pressure and other key health metrics. By providing professional screenings and wellness support, you can give your team the tools they need to stay healthy and perform their best.

Ready to make an impact on your employees' health? Contact TotalWellness today to schedule your workplace blood pressure readings and start building a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Got any clever tricks for keeping employee blood pressure in check? Spill the beans in the comments below!

View full post