What employers and OH need to know about workplace health checks

Employees and employers will welcome the extension of the NHS Health Check into workplaces if it helps to prevent illness and absence. Tracey paxton writes that it is important to consider how the NHS Health Checks are communicated, implemented, and maintained.

The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England announced that the NHS Health Check, currently offered in GP surgeries for over-40s, will be brought to workplaces throughout the country.

The move targets 130,000 employees, primarily men, in order to protect them against health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.

This initiative represents a major step forward for public health, especially in the fight against diseases that can be prevented.

The health assessments are considered to be equivalent to NHS appointments. This highlights their importance and credibility. This initiative is beneficial to both employees and employers.

The government claims that more than 16 million people are entitled to a NHS Health Check. However, current data indicates that only 40% of those who were invited actually complete the check.

It is particularly true for men who, despite being less likely to seek help early on, are more likely than women to develop cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. The government continues to state that the new programme is designed to reach more people via their workplace and to make it easier for them to improve their cardiovascular health.

Five benefits of workplaces

Five key benefits are available to both employees and employers from NHS Workplace Health Checks.

Early detection and prevention is the first priority. Early detection of health problems is one of the main benefits of workplace health checkups. These assessments allow for timely intervention by identifying the risk factors of conditions like hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

Early detection can lead to improved outcomes and reduce the impact on an individual’s long-term health as well as the burden placed on healthcare systems.

Regular health checks can also improve the overall wellbeing of employees. Regular health checks improve employee wellbeing.

Employees are more likely feel valued and supported if they address health concerns early. It can increase morale, reduce stress, and give employees a sense of security about their health. When employees are healthy, they tend to be more productive and engaged in their work.

Employers can reduce absenteeism by implementing these strategies. Health problems are the leading cause of presenteeism, or when employees are not productive at work due to illness.

The workplace health check can help reduce the number days that employees are absent due to illness by identifying and managing problems early. Employees who know their health status, and receive the right care, are more likely than others to be present and productive at work.

Employers and the NHS will both welcome cost savings. Prevention is more cost-effective that treatment. Workplace health checks can save money by reducing chronic disease incidence and treating conditions before they get worse.

Employers enjoy lower healthcare costs and reduced productivity losses. The NHS also benefits because the demand for expensive and intensive treatments is reduced.

They also enhance corporate social responsibility. The implementation of workplace health checks will enhance the employer’s social responsibility.

Next steps need to be considered

Prioritizing the health and well-being of employees shows a company’s commitment to its workforce as well as to public health goals. It can help improve the organization’s reputation among all stakeholders, such as customers, employees and the community.

But simply providing health checks to employees is not sufficient. Employers must also consider what to do if employees need additional medical care.

It could be as simple as providing information about NHS services or facilitating follow up appointments. Or it could be offering wellbeing benefits at work, such employee assistance programs, to help support health improvement. Follow up and support are essential.

To ensure success, it is important to also consider the implementation, employee engagement, and confidentiality.

In England, individual and workplace health checkups are a proactive approach that is effective in reducing the incidence of preventable diseases. Early detection, increased wellbeing and cost savings make this initiative an excellent investment for individuals, employers and the NHS.

These health checks are a great way to create a healthier workplace and population.