Heart health is not just a personal concern; it’s a workplace priority. With cardiovascular disease being one of the leading causes of death in Australia, organisations have an important role to play in supporting awareness, preparedness, and prevention. From everyday lifestyle choices to emergency readiness, small workplace changes can make a meaningful difference to employee wellbeing and safety.
As businesses increasingly invest in healthy workplaces and long-term wellness strategies, heart health is becoming a key focus of workplace wellness programs. Initiatives such as REDFEB, which raises awareness about heart disease throughout February, offer timely opportunities to educate staff, review safety measures, and encourage proactive health education across the organisation.
Why Heart Health Matters at Work
The modern workplace can present several risk factors for poor heart health. Long periods of sitting, high stress levels, limited movement, and irregular work hours can all contribute to cardiovascular strain. Without intervention, these risks may increase absenteeism, reduce productivity, and impact long-term employee wellbeing.
Supporting heart health in the workplace goes beyond encouraging healthier habits. It also includes ensuring that organisations are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning, and survival often depends on immediate access to a defibrillator and trained responders.
By embedding heart health awareness into daily operations, businesses can create safer, more resilient workplaces while demonstrating genuine care for their people.
Heart Health Awareness and the Role of REDFEB
One of the most effective ways to build heart health awareness at work is to align activities with national campaigns such as REDFEB, Heart Research Australia’s annual initiative in February that shines a spotlight on cardiovascular disease and the importance of early detection, research, and prevention. By using REDFEB as a focal point, workplaces can run themed campaigns that combine education, screening, fundraising, and visible demonstrations of support for heart health.
During REDFEB, schools, offices, and community organisations are encouraged to wear red, host fundraising events, and hold heart health checks or information sessions, turning a single month into a powerful catalyst for year round change in understanding and managing cardiovascular risk. Integrating REDFEB activities into existing wellness calendars helps keep heart health front of mind while making it easier for employees to engage with messages and services that could ultimately save lives.
Defibrillators and Workplace Heart Health
One of the most effective ways to protect heart health in the workplace is through access to defibrillators. Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are designed to be used by anyone and can significantly improve survival outcomes during cardiac emergencies. In Australian workplaces, understanding how defibrillators function, where they should be placed, and how quickly they can restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest is critical to emergency preparedness, particularly when seconds matter most.
Modern defibrillators automatically assess heart rhythm and deliver a shock only when it is clinically appropriate, making them safe for use by non-medical staff. Their intuitive design, combined with clear workplace procedures and regular awareness activities, helps remove hesitation and empowers employees to act decisively. When defibrillators are visible, accessible, and properly maintained as part of broader wellbeing and safety practices, they form a vital layer of protection within healthy workplaces.
Addressing Myths and Misconceptions About Defibrillators
Despite their proven effectiveness, defibrillators are sometimes underused due to lingering misconceptions. Some employees worry they might cause harm, while others believe specialist training is required before using an AED.
In reality, modern defibrillators provide clear voice prompts and will only deliver a shock if it is clinically necessary. Clarifying these misunderstandings helps build confidence and encourages faster action in emergencies. Addressing common concerns around safety and usability, as explored in discussions around myths and misconceptions surrounding defibrillators, supports stronger emergency readiness across workplaces.
Making Defibrillators Part of Workplace Wellness Programs
Defibrillators are most effective when integrated into broader workplace wellness programs rather than treated as standalone equipment. This includes regular maintenance, clear signage, and staff awareness.
Workplaces can also support defibrillator readiness with appropriate accessories such as wall cabinets, spare pads, and batteries. A range of defibrillator accessories is available to help ensure devices remain visible, accessible, and ready for use.
Embedding AEDs into workplace wellness initiatives strengthens emergency preparedness and reinforces a culture of care and responsibility.
Small Lifestyle Changes That Support Heart Health at Work
While emergency response is critical, prevention remains central to long-term heart health. Many small changes can be incorporated into daily workplace routines to support cardiovascular wellbeing.
Encouraging Movement
Sedentary behaviour is a known risk factor for heart disease. Encouraging movement throughout the workday helps improve circulation, energy, and focus.
Simple strategies include:
- Walking meetings or standing check-ins
- Promoting stair use
- Encouraging regular stretch breaks
Supporting Healthy Eating Choices
Access to nutritious food and hydration supports heart health and sustained energy levels. Providing healthy snacks and educational materials can help employees make informed choices.
Managing Workplace Stress
Chronic stress contributes to increased heart disease risk. Supporting mental wellbeing through realistic workloads, flexible arrangements, and wellbeing initiatives helps reduce strain while improving engagement.
Health Education as a Foundation for Healthy Workplaces
Health education empowers employees to take ownership of their wellbeing. When staff understand how lifestyle choices and emergency preparedness impact heart health, they are more likely to engage with wellness initiatives.
Education can include:
- Heart health information sessions during REDFEB
- Regular safety and wellbeing communications
- Encouraging routine health checks
Combining education with practical tools such as AEDs strengthens workplace readiness and confidence.
Creating a Culture of Preparedness
Preparedness is a key component of healthy workplaces. When employees know how to respond in emergencies, outcomes improve and anxiety is reduced.
A prepared workplace includes:
- Clearly communicated emergency procedures
- Visible, accessible defibrillators
- Leadership support for wellbeing initiatives
These measures protect employees and build trust across teams.
The Long-Term Benefits of Investing in Heart Health
Organisations that prioritise heart health often see benefits beyond safety compliance. These include improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and stronger employee engagement.
By investing in workplace wellness programs that support heart health, businesses demonstrate long-term commitment to their people, strengthening culture and organisational resilience.
Taking Action Beyond REDFEB
While REDFEB provides a valuable awareness moment, heart health should remain a year-round focus. Regularly reviewing defibrillator access, updating training, and reinforcing health education helps ensure awareness leads to action.
Small, consistent steps can create lasting change, protecting employees and supporting healthier workplaces.
