Helping employees conquer chronic conditions through health coaching
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
As a certified health coach, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how to help employees improve chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The dynamic partnership through an employer health center in downtown Indianapolis allows me to work with employees one-on-one to empower them to take control of their health and transform their lives. I’m in the background providing motivation and cheering on employees every step of the way.
While primary care doctors are great at diagnosing a chronic health condition, they typically don’t have the time to motivate their patients to make the necessary changes to address the root cause. Health coaching offers tailored guidance to each individual’s unique circumstances, and I spend 30 to 40 minutes with patients during each session. It’s not just about what’s good for everyone – it’s about understanding the specific challenges and aspirations of each employee.
Health coaches use a technique called motivational interviewing to help each person unlock their “why.” Not a single healthcare provider can tell a patient to change. I always ask people, “When’s the last time the doctor told you to lose weight? Did you start exercising that day or the next?” It’s unlikely. People need to feel like they’re in control. I want to understand what motivates each person, whether that’s wanting to be able to get on the floor to play with their grandkids again or to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without losing breath. Sometimes it’s as simple as wanting to fit into the jeans they bought before the pandemic.
We start by developing a wellness vision, followed by setting realistic goals that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles – achievable milestones that empower employees to celebrate their progress along the way. These could be anything from managing blood sugar levels to incorporating daily walks or keeping a food journal.
Our interactions aren’t always confined to the employer health center. Thanks to the convenience of virtual visits, employees can schedule an appointment when they need it most. The ongoing support system ensures that employees never feel alone on their health journey.
One of the most rewarding aspects of health coaching is witnessing the transformation that takes place over time. It’s not just about short-term fixes; it’s about instilling lasting change. Through consistent engagement and accountability, employees learn to adopt healthier habits that become second nature.
I remember working with an employee who had been struggling to manage blood sugar. Together, we created a plan that involved learning to ‘eat to live’ rather than ‘live to eat’. I educated the employee about macronutrients to understand carbohydrates and the role that physical activity plays in successfully managing their blood sugar levels. Over the course of several months, I saw an increased confidence. The employee had more energy and began to lose weight. The key is making small, manageable changes that accumulate into a significant impact. There will be setbacks and challenges, but how you manage those setbacks is crucial to success.
Chronic illnesses can take a toll on productivity and morale in the workplace, but that’s where health coaching shines. I’ve led multiple support groups that focus on weight management and diabetes management, for example. And it’s great to see employees supporting each other’s goals in those group sessions.
I get to help people every day and it’s why I love my job. By helping employees manage their chronic health conditions effectively, I get to know them personally and what truly drives them to make them want to take the first step (and the next and the next) into a healthier lifestyle. Health coaching isn’t just about providing a quarterly wellness lunch and learn at work – it’s about creating a partnership with my employee patients, empowering them, and seeing true transformation of healthy living.
Debbie Richardson, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and a Wellcoaches Certified Health Coach, has over 25 years’ experience in the health and wellness field. She is also certified as a Freedom from Smoking Cessation Facilitator and DPP Group Lifestyle Balance Facilitator. Debbie joined Marathon Health in 2010 as its first Health Coach and currently works in an employer’s onsite clinic in Indianapolis and as a Regional Health Coach Mentor.