I cannot tell you how often, as a GP I have reviewed someone’s symptom, only to discover that it had progressed into a more severe issue due to the fact that they ignored it for too long. It’s moments like these that really highlight the importance of early intervention–something that isn’t always on the radar for many people until it’s too late.
Stress and bad lifestyle choices may be contributing to this problem.
We are blessed in the UK to have the NHS. We’re so used to the NHS being our only healthcare provider that paying for a blood test or health check feels strange. When a letter is delivered for a consultation or test, symptoms could be much worse than necessary (or, in the worst cases, already too advanced to treat). For example, a simple cholesterol test can reveal underlying heart disease risks. But, too often, it is a last minute check that could have been detected months or years earlier.
As the workforce ages, businesses will be in a better position to help fill this gap by providing proactive health support to employees who would otherwise delay or ignore it.
The UK’s ageing population is nearly equal to that of its children. This means there are more workers in their 50s, and 60s, as well as beyond. This shift means that employers must pay more attention to the health of employees in their 50s, 60s and beyond.
As part of their wellness packages, many workplaces don’t offer free or comprehensive health checks. However, this area is quickly becoming a focus. As a physician, I appreciate when people are proactive about their health. It allows us to catch serious health issues earlier and reduce the pressure on healthcare systems.
Although I support the increasing awareness of issues such as menopause I believe that it’s possible that businesses will start to view these problems in isolation or rank them in order of importance.
Davina McCall has done wonders to raise awareness about menopause. However, there are other health conditions that are more common in certain age or gender groups, such as cancer.
Heart disease, diabetes and other conditions such as high blood cholesterol are often overlooked. High cholesterol can be a silent factor in heart disease, stroke and other conditions. This can cause long-term illness, absence from work and increase healthcare costs. These risks can be effectively managed with small lifestyle changes and proactive screening.
I believe that the goal of the decision makers – be it the HR team, or anyone else – is to develop a holistic, broader strategy that addresses all aspects of health.
Employers can influence employee health positively, and it’s not just a nice thing to do. It’s not just a CSR exercise to support employee health. It’s also a smart move for business. Healthy employees are more productive and engaged. They’re also less likely to be sick due to conditions that can be prevented. Businesses can reduce absenteeism and improve productivity by prioritising preventive measures such as cholesterol tests.
Don’t wait until a crisis occurs. Your strategy should put employee healthcare at the forefront, especially now that the workforce is becoming more diverse and aware of age. The companies are in an ideal position to help their employees with their health, and empower them to seek out help sooner. In doing so, companies can create a more healthy and engaged workforce that will benefit employees as well as employers.
