Healthy Employees, Healthy Business: The Case for Regular Health Screenings

The economic climate for many businesses is harsh and unforgiving, but progressive employers are increasingly seeing the value of investing in the health and wellbeing of their workforce in the shape of regular health screening, even though this is not a legal requirement in many cases. Targeted health surveillance is essential where certain health, safety and illness risks exist, but for many businesses the decision to introduce general employee health checks comes from a combination of factors. This could be a moral duty to look after employees but also a realisation that investing in the health of the workforce is something that can help a business grow and reach its full potential.   

Regular health screenings involve a series of tests and checks to identify potential health issues with an employee. Healthcare professionals will visit a business and carry out a company-wide programme of health screening which tests and checks for a range of conditions, such as vitamin deficiency, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart diseases and diabetes. Each individual can receive a tailored series of checks if pre-existing health conditions are known, but based on the results will also receive dedicated lifestyle advice and guidance. Corporate health checks have become an important element of promoting a healthy workplace, and bring a range of benefits for all parties.  

The Benefits Of Employee Health Testing For The Employees  

When we are talking about investing in the health and wellbeing of employees, it is important that we cover the benefits to them first and foremost, as the guiding principle behind corporate health checks is to prioritise the employee. 

• Preventive – Health checks for employees identifies risk factors which may lead to critical health conditions further down the line. Guidance and advice based on test results can help an employee make key lifestyle and dietary adjustments, and this type of proactive medical intervention can be crucial in the long term. 

• Managing health conditions – Where a potential health condition has been identified, this early intervention can prevent an employee experiencing severe health complications. Therefore, this will ultimately improve the quality of life for the employee going forward.    

• Reassurance – Knowing that regular health checks will identify any potential issues gives an employee peace of mind, reduces their anxiety and provides reassurance that their health is good and in good hands. This enables them to focus on other important issues, such as their work.  

• Performance – A healthy employee will have a better attendance record and will be able to perform better and be more productive. They will feel a part of the team and will be engaged in their work and the business. This empowers them to seek professional development opportunities and to qualify for any perks or benefits an employer offers.   

• Morale – Workplace health screening makes employees feel valued and looked after by their employer. This leads to a happier workplace and employees feeling safe and stable in their job.   

• Lifestyle choices – Even if no health issues are identified in an employee health check, this can lead to employees making important lifestyle changes and prioritising their general health, such as giving up smoking, reducing their alcohol intake, or taking up exercise and fitness.   

The Benefits Of Employee Health Checks For The Employers 

Employers will mainly be seeking cultural benefits from introducing employee health checks, but there are some tangible benefits which come from this.   

• Reduced absenteeism – Sickness absence is a huge cost to a business and impacts on productivity however much your business structure is set-up to manage this. Employee health screening can identify health issues early and help to reduce sick days taken.  

• Long term health issues – Although sickness absence is usually a short term problem for an employer there can be longer term issues to manage also. Employees with existing health issues that have to be managed can be costly and impactful in terms of productivity, so identifying health issues early and managing these proactively can prevent these longer term problems.  

• Productivity – A healthier workforce and one that is happier and more engaged in their work will have more energy and focus and will be more productive.   

• A stable workforce – Employees being offered regular health screening will recognise that the employer is investing in their health and wellbeing. This boosts morale and builds a connection between all parties, leading to more loyalty and commitment. Ultimately this helps with job satisfaction and reduces staff turnover, making the business more stable. This also helps the business plan for the future with more certainty.  

• Compliance – In some industry sectors where health risks are inherent in a job role, an employer is obliged by regulatory requirements to carry out regular health screening. In this case employee health checks ensure the business avoids fines, legal issues and audit penalties.  

• Employee quality – Including regular health screening in the renumeration package of a job specification helps to attract a better quality of candidate for new job positions. 

• Company profile – Investing in employee health and wellbeing improves the image of the business publicly, with the market, with the customer base and with potential recruits.  

Regular health screening for employees has multiple benefits for both the employee and the employer and is an investment by the business that will help it thrive in the marketplace. Partnering with HealthClinic2You is a great way to bring convenient and valuable health screening to your business, so contact our team today.