The Science of Employee Health and the Workplace

In this episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek dives into the science of employee health with Dr. Claire Muselman, a behavioral scientist and professor at Drake University, and the founder and president of DCM. Dr. Claire shares research-backed insights on how workplace wellness is no longer a “nice to have,” but a business-critical strategy.

From the impact of hydration on cognitive performance to the role of movement, nutrition, and sleep in productivity and claims mitigation, Dr. Claire breaks down the “Life Force Pyramid” and how simple behavioral cues can drive large-scale change. The conversation covers practical ways employers can align well-being with safety, boost engagement across generations, and unlock strategies like gym access, Employee Assistant Program (EAP) awareness, vision care, and peer-driven habit formation.

Learn how connecting benefits, claims data, and culture can build a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Wellness as a Business Strategy
• (00:00:35) - Employee Wellbeing
• (00:04:51) - Wellbeing 101: Movement, Nutrition and Sleep
• (00:11:12) - Employee hydration and safety
• (00:17:30) - Getting people to Buy In on Health Initiatives
• (00:19:45) - Wellbeing Metrics
• (00:25:53) - Wellbeing and the Tribal Mentality
• (00:31:07) - Wellbeing and Safety as a Business Strategy
• (00:37:09) - Healthy Living: The Personal Lift