Employee Awareness & Education

There are many ways to communicate with employees about migraines, either using existing resources or developing new ones. When creating original content for migraine awareness and education, use a multi-disciplinary team of experts including neurologists, registered dietitians, psychologists and specialty pharmacists when possible. You can also tap into the resources offered by your health plans, wellness and disease management vendors to support your efforts. This is especially important when creating a new program focused on migraine management in the workplace. In this case, you’ll likely need to use strategic communications to engage participants in various program events, tools and resources.

Incorporate into existing programs

Take advantage of programs already established in the workplace to get basic messaging out about migraines. Be strategic – use trusted programs that employees are engaged in for the best chance at success. For example, you can communicate through various components of a wellness program and/or an employee assistance program (EAP) about the role of lifestyle – healthy diet, exercise and stress management – in managing migraines. Consider including information in health benefits materials and/or regular employee communications such as a newsletter or an employee intranet site.

Communications using existing programs and resources can focus mainly on awareness and basic education, to get the conversation started. Topics may include:

• Questionnaire to determine if headaches might be migraines
• Basic information about migraines
• Getting a proper diagnosis (e.g. what type of provider to see)
• What causes or triggers migraine attacks
• Supporting a co-worker and/or family member with migraines
• Resources for more information

Promote a migraine-focused program

Communications designed to engage employees and families in a workplace migraine management initiative will typically require both in-depth subject matter on a varied group of topics and promotional pieces. The strategy will require regular use of many different communication channels. Since this type of program is focused mainly on employees suffering with migraines, topics may include:

• Getting a proper diagnosis (e.g. what type of provider to see)
• Identifying and managing triggers
• Early warning signs of migraines and how to be prepared for an attack
• Tactics to use when a migraine happens
• Information to enhance self-care for those with migraines
• Treatment options including lifestyle, medical and pharmaceutical care
• Understanding benefits (e.g. STD, LTD, disability, FMLA)
• Tools and resources to help manage migraines (diaries, apps, websites)

Targeted communications can also promote program-specific elements such as:

• Events (e.g. webinars, on-site programs)
• Benefits (one-on-one meetings with dietitian, EAP counselor)
• Tools (e.g. tracking apps – migraine diaries)
• Incentives

Whether your tactics include newly developed web-based information and printed materials or use of existing channels of communication like staff meetings and employee newsletters, it is important to keep the information consumer-friendly and the messaging approachable. Use multiple channels of communication to reach the greatest number of people.

Communication Tools & Channels

Once you know what you want to communicate to employees about migraines, it’s time to determine how to accomplish this. When looking at options, consider as many different tactics as possible to get your message out. Be sure to include opportunities for:

• Remote employees
• Employees not interested in printed materials or face-to-face events and activities
• Family members and covered dependents/partners, an important group to reach with information and resources

Following are examples of the variety of ways you can communicate about migraines:

Print materials

• Newsletters
• Brochures
• Posters (including print and digital signage

View free educational materials from the American Migraine Foundation.

Web-based information

• Intranet – e.g. online employee newsletters/articles, a dedicated program site
• Webinars – allows inclusion of remote employees and families; can include presentations from professionals including headache specialists, dietitians, pharmacists, behavioral health specialists
• Vendor websites – e.g. employee assistance program (EAP), health plan, PBM, non-profit organizations
• Regular emails to promote existing resources or different aspects of a program

Mobile technology

• Apps – e.g. for reminders, headache diary
• Texting

Onsite staff

• Onsite or near site clinics (doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, etc.)
• Wellness program staff
• Registered dietitians
• Fitness center staff
• EAP counselors

Vendor partners

• EAP
• PBM
• Health plan
• Disease management vendors
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Local hospitals/medical staff
• Non-profit organizations (e.g. National Headache Foundation)

Customizable Tools

Integrate these articles into your communication strategy as you reach out to your target audiences. They can help to raise awareness and reduce stigma, teach prevention skills and provide motivation for your covered population. Use the Word documents below either as-is or personalize them with your company logo and benefits-related information.

• Article #1: Learn About Migraine
• Article #2: Managing Migraine at Work
• Article #3: Managing Migraine: Alternative Approaches