Main Keywords: Corporate Health Support Programs, Sustainable Development Goals (SFGs), Sustainability, Corporate Health, Health Support, Collaboration, Global Action Plan (GAP), and Sustainability Goals.
Background: The United Nations Agenda 2030 is built around 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by UN Member States in September 2015. These 17 goals provide a framework for achieving global prosperity through a collective international effort, primarily driven by national governments and supported by nongovernmental organizations, civil society, and businesses. Each Member State is dedicated to advancing Agenda 2030, creating plans that align with national priorities, and regularly reporting progress to the UN High-Level Political Forum. While the SDGs are extensive and government-led, they have garnered strong support from the global business sector, with many leading companies publicly pledging their commitment to this ambitious agenda.
Introduction: Corporate health support programs are playing an increasingly vital role in tackling worldwide health challenges. By aligning their initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), companies have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully toward improving global health outcomes. In this article, we are going to cover the background behind Sustainable Development Goals, look at corporate health programs, and the strategies for them to align with SDGs.
We are going to answer the following 5 questions:
1. What are Corporate Health Support Programs?
2. Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Are Related to Health?
3. What is the Role of Corporate Health Support Programs in Achieving SDGs?
4. What are 3 Corporate Health Program Strategies That Align with SDGs?
5. Why Does Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals Benefit Companies?
1. What are Corporate Health Support Programs?
Corporate Health Support Programs are comprehensive initiatives designed to enhance the well-being of employees while simultaneously fostering a positive impact on the broader community. These programs serve as a strategic alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting gender equality, decent work, and quality education.
- By implementing sustainable practices within their operations, corporations can contribute significantly to the achievement of the 17 SDGs, thereby addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and the creation of sustainable cities and communities. The purpose of these programs extends beyond organisational health; they aim to cultivate a sustainable future that integrates clean energy, sustainable consumption, and the principles of a circular economy into everyday business practices.
- Examples of major corporate initiatives supporting employee and community health include programs focused on climate action and affordable and clean energy, which are crucial for fostering a healthier environment. Corporations often develop business strategies that prioritise sustainable business practices, ensuring that their supply chain operations are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Furthermore, by engaging stakeholders in the pursuit of these goals, companies can drive economic growth while making a positive impact on society. Aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, organisations are increasingly recognizing the importance of their role in creating a better world and fulfilling their commitments to the Millennium Development Goals, thereby demonstrating their leadership in addressing both employee health and global sustainability.
2. Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Are Related to Health?

- As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 3 emphasises the importance of ensuring good health and well-being for all individuals. This goal is intricately connected with other relevant SDGs, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 4 (Quality Education), which collectively address the underlying determinants of health. By pursuing these goals, nations can create a better world where access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and education is harmonised, thereby facilitating economic growth and reducing inequalities. Additionally, the implementation of sustainable business practices and business strategies aligned with the SDGs can foster decent work opportunities, empowering communities and contributing to the overall health of populations.
Moreover, SDG 11 focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, which play a critical role in enhancing public health outcomes. Urban environments that prioritise sustainable consumption and incorporate clean energy solutions can mitigate the effects of climate change, further supporting the objectives of SDG 13. Through innovative supply chain management and the adoption of a circular economy approach, businesses can reduce waste and promote sustainable practices, thereby making a positive impact on environmental and health outcomes. Engaging stakeholders in collaborative efforts towards these global challenges is paramount for implementing sustainable solutions that advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ultimately contribute to the achievement of the 17 SDGs.
3. The Role of Corporate Health Support Programs in Achieving SDGs
In the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), corporate health support programs play a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable future by addressing global challenges such as climate change, gender inequality, and economic disparities. These programs are instrumental in creating sustainable cities and communities, as they promote decent work and enhance the well-being of employees, thereby contributing to economic growth. By implementing sustainable business practices and aligning their operations with the 17 SDGs, corporations can integrate health initiatives into their business strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable consumption and production.
Ultimately, by engaging stakeholders and pursuing collaborative efforts aligned with SDG 17, businesses can create models that not only address immediate health needs but also contribute to a better world. In doing so, they become key players in the global movement toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Millennium Development Goals. The integration of health support into corporate frameworks is thus essential for fostering a resilient and sustainable global economy.
4. What are 3 Corporate Health Program Strategies that Align with SDGs?
- Preventative healthcare and education.
Implementing comprehensive wellness programs that focus on preventative care can significantly reduce healthcare costs and enhance employee productivity. Initiatives such as regular health screenings, vaccination drives, and nutritional workshops can empower employees with the knowledge and resources they need to maintain their health. By promoting healthy lifestyles and educating staff about the importance of regular check-ups, corporations can help mitigate chronic diseases and foster a culture of wellness. This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, emphasising the importance of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. - Mental health and wellness programs.
Recognizing the importance of mental health in the workplace is vital for fostering a supportive environment. Corporations can implement mental health days, access to therapy sessions, and mindfulness workshops to support employees’ mental well-being. Additionally, creating a culture that destigmatizes mental health issues encourages employees to seek help when needed. By prioritising mental health, companies can enhance employee satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and increase overall productivity, thus contributing to SDG 3. - Community outreach and support for marginalised groups.
Corporate health programs can extend beyond the workplace by engaging with local communities, particularly marginalised groups who may have limited access to healthcare services. Partnerships with local health organisations can facilitate outreach programs that provide essential health services, education, and resources to underserved populations. Initiatives might include free health screenings, wellness workshops, and support groups tailored to the unique needs of these communities. By addressing health disparities and promoting inclusivity, corporations can contribute to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, ensuring equitable access to health resources for all.
5. Why does Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals Benefits Companies?
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offers companies significant benefits, both internally and externally. First, it enhances brand reputation. By committing to global goals like environmental sustainability or health improvements, companies position themselves as socially responsible, which resonates with consumers, investors, and stakeholders who increasingly prioritise ethical business models. This alignment not only fosters trust but also strengthens a company’s market presence.
Moreover, vision with the sustainable development boosts employee engagement. Employees tend to feel more motivated and connected to their organisation when they see their work contributing to larger societal goals. This sense of purpose can improve job satisfaction, retention, and productivity, creating a more committed and energised workforce. Additionally, companies that align with the SDGs contribute to long-term societal impact by addressing issues such as inequality, climate change, and public health. These efforts help create more sustainable markets and stable communities, which in turn, support the company’s future growth and sustainability. Ultimately, aligning with the SDGs is a strategic investment in both corporate success and global progress.
Conclusion
Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the global market shifts towards sustainability. By 2024, the connection between business success and sustainable practices has become clear. As Bhaskar Chakravorti, a senior associate dean at The Fletcher School, highlighted in the Harvard Business Review nearly a decade ago, there are three key reasons for businesses to engage with the SDGs:
- Growth Opportunities: Emerging markets are expanding rapidly, with consumer demand in these regions expected to reach $30 trillion by 2025. By addressing SDGs such as clean water, sustainable cities, and climate action, businesses can unlock these markets by solving crucial development challenges.
- Competitive Advantage: Companies that lead in aligning with the SDGs are seen as responsible and forward-thinking, enhancing their reputation and market position. For example, Microsoft’s commitment to the SDGs is integral to its mission of global empowerment. On the other hand, businesses that ignore these goals risk losing ground as consumers and regulators prioritise sustainability.
- Essential Business Participation: Achieving the SDGs requires significant private sector involvement, with an estimated cost of $3 trillion annually. As Chakravorti noted in 2015, sustainability is no longer just a matter of corporate responsibility, but a financial necessity for businesses.
What can we actually do to align our business with SDGs?
KimboCare makes it easy for businesses to provide direct access to quality healthcare through health credits, helping underserved communities get the care they need. By partnering with KimboCare, your company can align with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, while supporting employee health and extending care to those who need it most.
Whether it’s offering preventative healthcare or promoting mental wellness, using KimboCare strengthens your company’s impact and supports a healthier, more equal world. Ready to make a difference? Learn more at KimboCare.
And to stay motivated to do it, remember this: “Although collaboration is the path, impact is the destination.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
References
- United Nations. (n.d.). Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. United Nations. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3
- United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals
- World Health Organization. (2023, May 3). Collaborating locally is key for progress globally towards health-related SDGs. WHO. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/03-05-2023-collaborating-locally-is-key-for-progress-globally-towards-health-related-sdgs
- Johnson & Johnson. (n.d.). Our position on supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Johnson & Johnson. Retrieved from https://www.jnj.com/about-jnj/policies-and-positions/our-position-on-supporting-the-united-nations-sustainable-development-goals
- Environment + Energy Leader. (n.d.). Sustainable Development Goals: Why business should care. Retrieved from https://www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/sustainable-development-goals-why-business-should-care,11862