So far, we know that people with underlying health conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity—have the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. If the new research proves true, obese patients’ comorbidity means they will still face a heightened chance of infection and mortality even after a vaccine is developed.

As a Human Resources leader, you’re likely looking for ways to support employees and keep them safe through this unprecedented crisis. By promoting the importance of healthy eating, you can help employees decrease their risk of infection and improve the health and well-being of your workforce as a whole.

Addressing the Coronavirus and Nutrition

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the United States was already facing another crisis: the growing rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, poor nutrition, and a lack of exercise contribute to weight gain, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and further complications (such as hypertension and a weakened immune system) if left untreated.

Unfortunately, all of these risks also hurt your employees’ ability to fight, avoid, and overcome illness related to COVID-19. Even with a vaccine, the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and increased risk of infection means that many people will still not be adequately protected. A vaccine works by promoting the body’s production of antibodies to neutralize the virus, and this process is inhibited when the body’s immune system is taxed by poor nutrition.

If you want to help your employees control their risks, consider starting with the importance of healthy eating. Maintaining a healthy weight is possible through good nutrition and proper exercise, but too many people lack access to the healthcare benefits and nutrition counseling needed to reach their individual goals. Here’s how you can better support your employees during this difficult time:

1. Review your healthcare benefits. Most insurance plans already include nutrition counseling, which can directly help people who fall into COVID-19 high-risk groups. Take time to review these benefits with employees, and encourage them to take advantage of all their options. The massive work space displacement resulting from COVID-19 has forced more people into sedentary workflows, but nutrition counselingcan help counteract the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

When possible, incentivize employees to take advantage of their healthcare benefits. According to a recent survey, 69% of employees say that a workplace focused on improving their health and well-being would make them want to stay at their jobs. By advertising nutrition-focused healthcare benefits, you’ll not only provide timely support but also increase your long-term employee retention.

2. Make nutrition counseling accessible. Because of the pandemic, 66% of employees in the United States are working remotely at least part time. Working from home isn’t easy for employees who are used to more traditional office environments, and many are balancing new routines with family needs like child care and virtual learning. This is new for companies, too, so many HR leaders aren’t sure how to support remote employees...

Source: HR Daily Advisor