Health Coaches in the Workplace

Chronic diseases are a leading cause of death and illness around the globe. As we seek innovative solutions to address this pressing health crisis, the German AtRisk study offers valuable insights into the transformative impact of workplace health coaching on individuals battling chronic conditions. Click below to find out more!

Chronic disease is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The German AtRisk study by Schaller et al. (2016) sheds light on how workplace health coaching can play a pivotal role in promoting well-being for individuals facing various chronic illnesses. 
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All participants, employees with health-related risk factors, received a behaviour-oriented lifestyle intervention. Some were assigned a health coach, of which education, coaching, and guidance were provided. ⁠
 
Results suggest that by combining behaviour-oriented lifestyle interventions with workplace adjustments, certified health coaches can help workers improve health literacy, self-efficacy, and overall quality of life.
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Key findings include:⁠
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1. Health Coaching impact: Certified health coaches play a crucial role in providing personalized and sustainable health interventions by integrating behavior-oriented and workplace-related strategies. The study urges the professionalization of the field of health coaching, as educational qualifications are necessary to provide verifiable and well-informed guidance.
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2. Health Literacy: Improving health literacy is essential for maintaining good health, and health coaches help bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application. ⁠
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3. Cross-Provider Interventions: Multimodal approaches that combine ergonomic, behavioral, and workplace-related aspects are superior to single interventions. The needs of both the individual and the organizations must be considered for the most effective outcomes. ⁠
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4. Stakeholder Insights: Interviews with various stakeholders underscore the need for qualified health coaches to address diverse health needs effectively. ⁠
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Investing in HCA registered health coaches means creating sustainable, individualized health solutions that can benefit both employees and employers.
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Let’s prioritize qualified health coaching for a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce!

Reference:

Schaller, A., Dejonghe, L., Alayli-Goebbels, A. et al. Promoting physical activity and health literacy: study protocol for a longitudinal, mixed methods evaluation of a cross-provider workplace-related intervention in Germany (The AtRisk study). BMC Public Health 16, 626 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3284-6 ⁠