Strokes: Building Awareness And Supporting Survivors In The Workplace

29th October marks World Stroke Day. Learn more about how raising awareness and supporting stroke survivors in the workplace can save lives, improve outcomes, and boost recovery.

Strokes are one of the most significant health challenges faced by individuals and organizations globally. It’s estimated that one in four adults over the age of 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime, according to global research.

However, the impact can last long beyond the initial stroke itself. In fact, 37% of stroke survivors of working age leave their jobs due to the lasting impact of their condition. This is why building stroke awareness and supporting survivors in the workplace is essential. And this begins with fostering awareness, supporting prevention, and ultimately guiding stroke survivors back into fulfilling work lives.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Strokes can affect a person’s mobility, speech, cognitive function, and emotional health, impacting their quality of life and ability to work.

Stroke survivors face many challenges, including physical, emotional, and social changes. And recovery can take days or years, depending on the extent of the stroke and the rehabilitation plan.

The impact of strokes in the Middle East

In the Middle East, strokes are a growing health concern. In the UAE alone, between 8,000 to 10,000 strokes occur each year, with nearly 50% of patients under the age of 45. Contributing to this trend is the fact that roughly 25% of adults in the UAE suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading cause of stroke. Strokes are also the leading cause of disability in the UAE, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and workplace support.

Why stroke awareness in the workplace matters

For businesses, fostering awareness of common medical conditions is a critical component of employee health and safety. Timely recognition of a stroke can make a real difference to patient outcomes.

However, before it reaches the point of reactive action, there are several preventive measures that employers can put in place to protect the holistic health and well-being of their employees.

Preventive strategies for the workplace

Nearly 80% of all strokes are preventable – and preventing strokes starts with promoting heart health and wellness in daily life, including in the workplace. By encouraging regular physical activity, stress management techniques, routine health checks, and maintaining a healthy diet, organizations can reduce stroke risks among their workforce. Offering resources such as smoking cessation programs, exercise facilities, and health and nutrition plans helps foster a proactive approach to stroke prevention.

First Response in the Workplace

Having an emergency response plan for strokes is essential – and training staff to recognize stroke symptoms and administer first aid before professionals arrive can be lifesaving.

For example, ensure that all employees know the acronym FAST — Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services — which captures the key symptoms that need to be recognized immediately. Early intervention saves lives and can prevent long-term disability.

Supporting stroke survivors in the workplace

For those returning to work after a stroke, the journey can be challenging. Physical limitations like mobility issues, speech difficulties, and fatigue are common, while cognitive and emotional challenges can further complicate the transition. In fact, up to 40% of stroke survivors experience anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for both physical and mental support. Understanding that the effects of stroke resonate way beyond physical impact is a crucial consideration for providing better support in the workplace.

Workplace adjustments and accommodations

Employers can play a pivotal role in facilitating the return of stroke survivors to work by offering flexible work hours, modified roles, job sharing, and assistive technologies to accommodate their needs. A gradual return-to-work plan, tailored to the individual, is also an essential way to balance recovery with job responsibilities.

Fostering an inclusive workplace environment

Creating a supportive and understanding workplace culture is crucial for the long-term success of stroke survivors. Peer support groups or counseling services, provided in partnership with GulfCare, can offer emotional and psychological support during what can be a difficult time. This is especially important as stroke survivors process complex emotions, including anger, sadness, and frustration with the changes in their lives.

How comprehensive healthcare plans can help

GulfCare offers tailored healthcare solutions that support stroke prevention, early detection, and rehabilitation for stroke survivors. Through initiatives like the Hospital at Home® program, GulfCare ensures that stroke survivors receive continuous care – even beyond the hospital setting – allowing them to recover in a familiar and supportive environment.

It’s also worth remembering that stroke recovery doesn’t end after initial rehabilitation. Ongoing care and follow-up are essential to monitor progress, manage related conditions, and prevent recurrence. For example, GulfCare’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide support for stroke survivors, addressing mental well-being and helping them reintegrate smoothly into the workplace.

Raising stroke awareness, promoting early detection, and creating supportive work environments are key steps to reducing the impact of strokes in the workplace. GulfCare is committed to partnering with organizations across the GCC to build healthier, more inclusive workplaces through comprehensive corporate healthcare plans, expert guidance, and continuous support for both prevention and recovery.

To learn more about GulfCare, and to receive a complimentary quote, contact us today.