Human Resource managers play a key role in creating healthier workplaces in order to boost productivity, retain and attract talent, foster workforce diversity, and drive the Philippine economy.
This was the key message of a high-level expert roundtable held recently at the New World Hotel in Makati City. The pioneering roundtable was organized by the Progressive Alliance Towards Healthy Workplaces (PATHw), a Pan-Asia coalition of HR and business leaders committed to creating healthier workplaces.
PATHw members include the global multi-stakeholder organization Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), leading international provider of telemedicine Medgate, the Swiss Embassy in the Philippines, and Novartis Healthcare Philippines.
The expert roundtable gathered HR and business leaders, occupational and behavioral scientists, health economists, medical specialists, and policymakers who have a shared goal of developing a comprehensive and long-term action plan to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the workplace.
One of the workplace-related NCDs discussed in the roundtable was migraine, which participants described as “a silent epidemic that needs an immediate and comprehensive solution.”
“Migraine is not just a headache but a disability that has a negative impact on the quality of life of sufferers. It is a complex disease and therefore migraine patients need to consult experts for accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment,” said Dr. Regina Macalintal-Canlas, president of the Philippine Headache Society.
An estimated 12 million Filipinos suffer from migraine, according to a global disease study. There is low awareness on the difference between migraine and headache. Many Filipinos with migraine self-medicate with over-the-counter pain medications instead of consulting a doctor.
“We need to enhance the culture of health and safety in the workplace,” said occupational health expert Dr. Ria Fajardo. “There is an urgent need for HR leaders to work with neurologists and occupational health specialists in developing a workplace culture that challenges existing ecosystems around migraine and encourage the employees to seek early intervention.”
In line with the PATHw mission, the roundtable participants agreed to work together in shedding light on the implications of migraine, and sensitizing workplaces to address health issues among employees and how these can impact productivity and the economy.
They also committed to promoting awareness of migraine and the need for employers to consider accommodating employees with these conditions so that they can continue working for as long as possible thereby creating a positive impact at work.
Jugo Tsumura, president and managing director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Inc., said, “A large population of Philippine workforce is affected with migraine, a non-communicable disease that has a major negative impact on quality of life and economic productivity.”
“At Novartis Philippines we implement workplace wellness programs, such as Energized for Life, which aim to protect and promote our employees’ health in and outside of work,” he added.