More than 17 million Americans are battling asthma — and this number is growing. And, it’s having an impact on employers as they lose the productivity of employees who are ill or caring for ill dependents. Employers are also impacted by the rising costs of health care in treating this condition.
“Because almost all cases of asthma can be controlled, employers can have a definite impact on the health of their employees if they are willing to take certain steps,” says Julie Sich, health promotions coordinator for SummaCare, Inc. “Employers can help their employees by providing education, sufficient and consistent insurance and workplace conditions that lessen the risk of an attack.”
Smart Business spoke with Sich about how employers can lessen the impact of this chronic disease.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a disease that affects the bronchial tubes of the lungs, which constricts the airways, making it difficult to breathe. One-third of those affected by asthma are under the age of 18, and in most people, a first attack occurs before the age of 40, in the prime of their working years. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pressure and frequent coughing, all of which can impact an employee’s performance. Attacks can be triggered by a number of things such as smoking, pollution, chemicals, infections, cold temperatures and allergens.
What can employers do to help their employees manage the disease?
It is in an employer’s best interest to do what they can to help, as sick employees can be costly to the business. By helping employees overcome barriers such as limited insurance or a lack of information that can prevent them from seeking and receiving treatment, employers can improve both the employee’s quality of life and his or her work performance and productivity.
First, employers should ensure that their insurance plan implements best practices for managing the symptoms of asthma. An insurance plan should include reimbursement for things such as monitoring of lung function, education about the illness and how to best treat it.
Second, employers can make sure that the work environment is healthy. For instance, if you allow smoking on the premises, make sure it is done far enough from the entrance so that nonsmokers will not be inadvertently exposed.
Finally, employers can create support programs to help employees effectively manage asthma. Those programs can be in the form of education or subsidization of medications.
