Heart health at work: Practical steps to protect your people

Heart and circulatory disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the UK and yet many of the risks are preventable with the right awareness and support. For employers, promoting heart health is an important part of creating a resilient, productive workforce where people feel supported to take care of themselves. 

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) highlights the scale of the challenge each year during Heart Month, raising awareness of the ongoing impact of heart and circulatory disease and encouraging people across the UK to take steps to protect their health. Their insights reinforce the role that prevention, early detection and healthy habits play in reducing risk. 

Why heart health matters in the workplace 

Heart and circulatory conditions affect around 7.6 million people in the UK (British Heart Foundation), often long before symptoms appear. Many of the most significant risk factors, such as inactivity, stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits, can be influenced by how people work and the culture around them. 

When employers help people take simple, achievable steps towards better health, the benefits can be far-reaching: 

• Reduced risk of preventable illness 

• Fewer long-term absences 

• Improved wellbeing and engagement 

• A workplace where employees feel valued and supported 

Small changes can have a big impact when reinforced across an organisation.

Healthy habits that protect heart health 

The BHF and wider clinical guidance point to several everyday behaviours that can meaningfully reduce heart-related risks. Encouraging these within the workplace helps people make sustainable, long-term changes. 

Move more, sit less 

Regular movement strengthens the heart, improves circulation and supports physical and mental wellbeing. Short bursts of activity - stretch breaks, walking meetings or standing up regularly - are often more achievable during the workday than long exercise sessions, and still make a real difference. 

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet 

Healthy food choices support energy levels, cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing. Providing healthier options in workplace catering, promoting hydration or sharing simple nutrition guidance can help reinforce these habits. 

Support smoking cessation and responsible alcohol intake 

Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, while moderating alcohol intake helps protect long-term health. Creating a supportive environment, with clear signposting to cessation resources or wellbeing programmes, encourages employees to make positive changes. 

Help employees manage stress and prioritise rest 

Stress and lack of sleep can impact heart health just as much as physical factors. Workplaces that champion work–life balance, reasonable workloads and mental wellbeing initiatives create the conditions people need to establish healthier routines. 

Promote regular health checks 

Routine checks such as blood pressure, cholesterol and lifestyle assessments help people understand their health risks early. Encouraging employees to stay aware of changes and seek advice when needed supports early intervention. 

Creating a heart-healthy workplace 

Employers can make heart-healthy choices easier by building supportive structures into everyday working life. Practical steps include: 

• Encouraging short, regular movement breaks 

• Offering healthier catering and hydration options 

• Promoting wellbeing initiatives tied to Heart Month 

• Providing flexibility to attend health appointments 

• Raising awareness of risk factors and prevention 

• Ensuring employees know how to access clinical support when they have concerns 

These behaviours become more meaningful when they’re part of the culture - not occasional campaigns, but consistent signals that health and wellbeing matter. 

The impact for your organisation 

Prioritising heart health helps people feel better, perform better and stay healthier for longer. When employees are supported to take proactive steps, businesses benefit through: 

• Enhanced wellbeing and resilience 

• Lower health-related costs over time 

• Fewer preventable illnesses and absences 

• A workforce that feels genuinely cared for 

Heart health isn’t just a medical issue; it’s a workplace priority. With evidence-led guidance from organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, and a proactive approach to wellbeing, employers can make a meaningful difference in protecting their people.