Workplace heart health strategies — how employers can lower risk and boost energy

Chronic conditions like hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol don’t just affect individuals — they weigh heavily on your bottom line. Research shows that cardiovascular disease alone accounts for $216 billion annually in healthcare costs and another $147 billion in lost productivity (CDC).

For employers, that means rising claims, higher pharmacy spend, and increased burnout risk. But it also means there’s a big opportunity — to prevent, not just pay for, chronic disease.

4 evidence-backed ways to promote cardiovascular health

1. Make physical activity part of the culture

It doesn’t have to be a full fitness center. Walking meetings, step challenges, and subsidized gym access all work. Even 20-minute activity breaks during long meetings can help employees reduce sedentary time — a major risk factor for heart disease.

Bonus: people who move more during the workday tend to sleep better and report higher energy levels.

2. Embed stress support into the workday

Stress is a major contributor to heart disease — and it’s everywhere in high-paced work environments. But mindfulness doesn’t require an hour-long yoga class. It can look like:

• 2-minute breathing breaks
• Drop-in coaching sessions
• Slack-integrated check-ins for energy and mood

Normalize micro-recovery. Build it into your culture.

3. Offer health screenings (and incentives)

You can’t change what you don’t track. Biometric screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C can help employees catch early signs of cardiovascular risk — before it becomes a claim.

And with the right privacy safeguards and incentives (e.g. HSA bonuses or wellness points), participation goes up.

4. Rethink nutrition at work

The office snack drawer is often the first battleground for heart health. Swap candy and processed snacks for fiber-rich, low-sugar alternatives. Offer optional nutrition coaching. And make heart-healthy meals the default for catered lunches.

Coaching-first care = better outcomes + lower costs

At Embla, we’ve seen firsthand how behavior change drives real results — not just in weight loss, but in blood pressure, A1C, and energy levels.

Our coaching model uses:

• 1:1 video coaching rooted in ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
• Personalized behavior plans for movement, food, sleep, and mindset
• Integrated support for GLP-1 medication if appropriate

The result: healthier employees, reduced cardiovascular risk, and lower long-term costs.

Final word: prevention is good business

You don’t need to overhaul your entire benefits plan to move the needle. You just need to start with what works:

• Proactive screenings
• Bite-sized behavior change
• Coaching and care that fits the workday

Investing in heart health isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s one of the smartest moves a self-funded employer can make.