Empowering Your Workforce: How to Support Employee Health Literacy

What is Health Literacy

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Health literacy is like having a well-lit path through a dark forest—it illuminates the way, helping individuals navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and make informed decisions with confidence.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health literacy is “the degree to which individuals can find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.” Health literacy goes beyond the ability to read medical instructions; it encompasses the capacity to understand, evaluate, and apply healthcare information.

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Key Aspects of Health Literacy include:

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• Understanding Health Information: Grasping medical terminology, diagnoses, and data to form opinions.

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• Seeking Reliable Health Information: Easily find and utilize reliable sources for health information, including where and when to seek care.

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• Communicating Health Concerns: Effectively discussing symptoms, conditions, and treatment options with healthcare providers.

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• Making Informed Decisions: Choosing healthcare based on an understanding of reliable and accurate information and professional medical advice.

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From navigating care and choosing treatment options to understanding insurance bills and forms, healthcare literacy is a valuable skill that empowers individuals to take an active role in managing their care.

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The Importance of Health Literacy

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Health literacy is essential for improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The National Library of Medicine reports that “9 out of 10 adults struggle with health literacy,” and those with low health literacy are more likely to experience “poor health outcomes.” Individuals with limited health literacy often find interpreting and following medical instructions challenging, leading to higher healthcare costs due to frequent emergency room visits, preventable hospitalizations, and delays in necessary care. Additionally, poor health literacy exacerbates health disparities, as it can hinder the effective management of chronic conditions and access to preventive care.

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Cultivating Employee Health Literacy

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What steps can be taken to empower employees to use and understand health information effectively? Here are a few strategies to enhance healthcare literacy across your organization:

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• Improve Access to Information: Provide reliable health information through accessible formats, such as brochures, webinars, websites, and apps.

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• Encourage Community Engagement: Partner with community organizations to raise awareness about the importance of health literacy through workshops, health fairs, and outreach programs.

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• Leverage Technology: Incorporate digital health tools to equip employees with access to personalized and accurate health information and educational resources. This will help employees stay informed and engaged with their health while reducing the burden placed on human resources.

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Conclusion

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Fostering a culture of health literacy helps individuals navigate the healthcare landscape more confidently, supporting employee health and wellness while lowering healthcare spend for both employees and employers.

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Learn more about  how Faros Health empowers employees and boosts health literacy. Schedule a demo here.

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