The first annual Health Equity in the Workforce Leadership Summit was recently hosted by the American Heart Association, with participation from representatives of several local businesses. The primary objective of the event was to facilitate the sharing of information among different companies to assist leaders in understanding their employees’ various needs. Speakers emphasized the distinction between equity and equality, particularly in the realm of healthcare.
Tiffany Gholston, board chair of the American Heart Association of the Triangle, underscored that many employers have the desire to take action but may struggle with knowing where to begin. Companies such as Deloitte, IBM, Lenovo, and Advanced Auto Parts were represented among the speakers at the summit. Additionally, faculty members from Duke University and North Carolina State University were present to address the challenges faced by recent graduates entering the local workforce.
Gholston stressed the importance of recognizing the individualized nature of healthcare needs among employees, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. She emphasized that since employees spend a significant amount of time at work, employers play a crucial role in providing the necessary tools and resources to support their health. The summit aimed to encourage ongoing communication and action among businesses to ensure that employees have access to appropriate resources.
In reflecting on the significance of the event, Gholston noted that the American Heart Association began focusing on health equity around 2021, influenced in part by the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as mental health in the workplace and meeting employees’ needs effectively. By bringing together employers in the Triangle area, the summit aimed to explore strategies for enhancing the provision of resources for employees.