{"id":55842,"date":"2026-01-26T21:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/?p=55842"},"modified":"2026-01-23T07:23:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T07:23:47","slug":"heart-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/heart-health","title":{"rendered":"Heart Health in the Workplace: Small Changes That Support Employee Wellbeing"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Heart health is not just a personal concern; it\u2019s a workplace priority. With cardiovascular disease being one of the leading causes of death in Australia<\/a>, 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.<\/p>

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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Why Heart Health Matters at Work<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

By embedding heart health awareness into daily operations, businesses can create safer, more resilient workplaces while demonstrating genuine care for their people.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Heart Health Awareness and the Role of REDFEB<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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One of the most effective ways to build heart health awareness at work is to align activities with national campaigns such as\u00a0REDFEB<\/a>, Heart Research Australia\u2019s 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.<\/p>

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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Defibrillators and Workplace Heart Health<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>

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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Addressing Myths and Misconceptions About Defibrillators<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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.<\/p>

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<\/a>, supports stronger emergency readiness across workplaces.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Making Defibrillators Part of Workplace Wellness Programs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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.<\/p>

Workplaces can also support defibrillator readiness with appropriate accessories such as wall cabinets, spare pads, and batteries. A range of defibrillator accessories<\/a> is available to help ensure devices remain visible, accessible, and ready for use.<\/p>

Embedding AEDs into workplace wellness initiatives strengthens emergency preparedness and reinforces a culture of care and responsibility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Small Lifestyle Changes That Support Heart Health at Work<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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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.<\/p>

Encouraging Movement<\/h3>

Sedentary behaviour is a known risk factor for heart disease. Encouraging movement throughout the workday helps improve circulation, energy, and focus.<\/p>

Simple strategies include:<\/p>