It takes resources, knowledge, and investment for employees to maintain their well-being.
Unfortunately, some may be way behind the starting line for healthy activities, knowledge, and well-being resources, making it feel like an unreachable goal. This may be the result of a term called Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), which includes the environmental conditions people are exposed to regularly through work, play, and more.
In fact, social determinants have a huge impact on health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.
That’s why making the workplace a safer, more inclusive environment can make all the difference to workers, especially for those who may not have equal access to healthcare and well-being options.
Below, we share all you need to know about SDOH, what it means to companies, how it impacts well-being, and practical strategies to ensure your company isn’t missing the mark.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the environmental conditions where people are born, learn, live, work, play, age, and worship. These conditions impact a variety of health ranges as well as quality-of-life outcomes and risks, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Five areas make up SDOH.
These environmental conditions are grouped into five domains, including:
Research indicates SDOH has a huge impact on individuals, including their quality of life and overall well-being. The above five factors also are known for contributing to health inequities.
For example, if someone lives in an area where the water is unsafe to drink, the air is polluted, and there is limited access to physical activity and nutritious meals, it makes it much more difficult for them to thrive. This raises the risk of conditions like diabetes and even heart disease.
A recent report also found social determinants are often where employers’ health investments aren’t made enough. The report, published in February 2022 by the Northeast Business Group on Health, revealed how SDOH is often an overlooked contributor to employee health as well as total healthcare costs.
Despite many workplaces offering better benefits and more health “perks”, it’s obvious from the struggles of those with chronic health conditions like obesity that something is missing.
Here’s how the report breaks it down:
Additionally, the health effects of work stressors contribute greatly to whether an employee can maintain a healthy sense of well-being. Research shows that a variety of health issues crop up, including issues like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, depression, acute injuries, substance abuse, and more. This, in turn, impacts businesses due to turnover, absenteeism, workers’ compensation, and beyond.
For the workplace, it’s important to remember how different aspects can impact the health of employees. This includes everything from employee wages to work environment and job security. Income is probably considered one of the most important SDOHs because of the access it grants to products and services that have the biggest impact on health-related behaviors.
Other ways the workplace impacts SDOH:
Those individuals who can’t hold a job, whether due to disability or other reasons, can miss out on opportunities to improve their health and well-being by not being employed.
But, even for those who do have the opportunity to work, the workplace isn’t necessarily always a healthy place to be.
Two examples include:
By better understanding how social determinants drive health care and well-being disparities, leaders can make better decisions around creating a safe, supportive workplace.
While offering employees wellness and health programs aimed at keeping them well, it’s important to also keep in mind the link between well-being and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Doing so means going beyond just physical fitness challenges and mental health resources; it means also remembering to include financial health and social equity as part of well-being campaigns.
Here’s how employers can better serve workers:
Simply promoting healthy choices and campaigns won’t eliminate health disparities. But, partnering with public health organizations and working closely with employees can make a deeper impact that makes a difference. Here are some specific examples of how partners of Healthy People 2030 are working to improve programs, policies, and interventions to better people’s environments.
Well-being goes deeper than most people have the time, interest, or energy to explore. But a long-term successful business strategy will include opportunities to help employees do better, feel better, and experience well-being in a wholesome, deeper way by considering the Social Determinants of Health from the start.
Interested in investing in your community’s health? Learn more through Healthy Workplaces Healthy Communities about why investing in your local communities can create a healthier, stronger, and more productive workforce.
How does your company incorporate SDOH when creating wellness campaigns and programs?