Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) refer to the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. SDOH can be grouped into five key areas: economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. Here are 5 strategies for employers to address social determinants of health:

• Promote Economic Stability: Employers can provide competitive salaries, offer financial wellness programs, and create opportunities for career advancement. Ensuring job security and offering benefits such as retirement plans can significantly improve the economic stability of employees.
• Enhance Education Access and Quality: Employers can invest in their employees’ education through tuition assistance programs, professional development opportunities, and on-the-job training. This not only helps employees advance in their careers but also contributes to their overall well-being.
• Improve Healthcare Access and Quality: Offering comprehensive health insurance, providing access to mental health resources, and organizing health and wellness programs can make a significant difference in employees’ health. Employers can also offer flexible work hours or telemedicine services to make healthcare more accessible.
• Support a Healthy Neighborhood and Built Environment: Employers can contribute to a healthy work environment by ensuring workplace safety, offering ergonomic workstations, and creating spaces that encourage physical activity, like gyms or walking trails. They can also support local initiatives that aim to improve community health and environmental conditions.
• Foster Social and Community Context: Creating a workplace culture that values diversity, inclusion, and social support can have a positive impact on employees’ mental health and overall well-being. Employers can organize community service activities, support local businesses, and encourage employee participation in social groups or clubs to build a sense of community.

By addressing these 5 strategies for employers to address social determinants of health, employers can not only improve the health and well-being of their employees but also contribute to a more productive and engaged workforce. If you collaborate with TransparentRx and opt for our Care Navigation services, we’re equipped to pinpoint factors influencing the health of our members. The Care Navigation team is dedicated to coordinating referrals to local service providers, ensuring a streamlined approach to healthcare management.