Social Determinants of Health Executive Dialogue

Executive Dialogue

Improving Employee and Community Health

Hospitals and health systems are doing their part to address social determinants of health when thinking about the patients and communities they serve. An individual’s ability to achieve his or her highest potential for health is influenced by more than just access to high-quality health care. Conditions in the environment in which people live and work affect health, well-being and quality of life. As health care organizations expand wellness programs to improve employee health, it’s important to understand the impact of social determinants on the workforce, such as safe neighborhoods, education and access to healthy food. This executive dialogue examines the link between health behaviors and social determinants. It also explores ways organizations can address employee health by designing interventions around social determinants to connect both community and workplace health.