WHAT IS A CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER?
COVID-19 has ushered in a new era of workplace leadership roles — namely, the rise of the CMO, or Chief Medical Officer. As federal vaccine mandates are put into place and workplaces establish their own health and safety policies, HR teams have become the de facto resource for managing evolving CDC and local guidelines as they pertain to their employees. This massive undertaking has added to the full plate of HR pros who are trying to juggle their day-to-day tasks while assuaging the concerns and questions of fully remote, hybrid, or full-time onsite employees.
CMO job postings have increased by 18.7% from last year, according to analytics firm Burning Glass Technologies. According to Bloomberg, companies like PepsiCo Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., and Delta Airlines has recognized the value in hiring a Chief Medical Officer to not only navigate the evolving demands of mitigating and preventing the spread of COVID-19 but also to manage other common employee health concerns, like carpal tunnel syndrome, that have surged as employees continue to work from home.
DOES YOUR COMPANY NEED A CMO?
When it comes to COVID-19, many companies have pointed to inconsistency in messaging from federal and local governments as a major pain point. Those companies are eager to have a source of truth that employees can rely on for shifting policies and best practices.
That said, companies are also beginning to recognize that employee wellbeing extends far beyond the scope of the pandemic. Mental health initiatives are increasingly a top priority for leading companies. According to research from the American Psychological Association (APA), 84% of adults reported feeling at least one emotion associated with prolonged stress, including anxiety, sadness, and anger. Given the prevalence of widespread mental health concerns among employees nationwide, CMOs are also expected to help manage the mental wellbeing of their workforce.
Why else would a CMO be beneficial to organizations? They can:
- Spearhead strategic corporate wellness programs, health plan designs, and clinical strategies for employees
- Implement communication strategies to disseminate necessary health information or updates
- Execute post-pandemic planning to ensure a consistently safe workplace environment
- Monitor the general and mental health of employees
- Maintain the health of external individuals, such as customers or business partners
- Maintain public health compliance standards set forth by federal and local governments
HOW EDEN HEALTH CAN HELP
The case for hiring a CMO is a strong one, though it may be unrealistic for the many smaller organizations that don’t have the hiring budget of a massive corporation.
For those organizations who want a medical expert to help them decipher the logistics of public health guidelines and mandates and to manage the everyday health concerns of employees, partnering with a direct-to-employer medical provider like Eden Health is a way to get that consistent, expert guidance without the in-house CMO price tag.
Eden Health removes the burden of interpreting and communicating complicated policies from your HR team. Aside from routine guidance, issuing proactive updates about shifting COVID-19 measures, and Daily Active Monitoring support, our Care Team is available 24/7 over the app and for longer in-person appointments at our nearby medical offices to answer your employees’ healthcare questions. From annual wellness exams and chronic and acute health concerns to mental health support and insurance navigation, our clinicians keep your employees healthy, safe, and productive.
To learn more about how Eden Health can manage your workforce’s health, request a demo from a member of our team.
This blog is intended to be informational in nature. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your Care Team or other healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials.
