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Understanding the spectrum of employee health initiatives

In today's workplace, prioritising employee wellbeing goes beyond basic healthcare benefits. Businesses are increasingly adopting proactive strategies to keep their workforce healthy, safe, and productive. This involves understanding the different approaches available: wellbeing programmes, employee health screening, and health surveillance, which may fall under the umbrella of occupational health (OH).

Jul 16 0024 7 min read

Occupational health (OH) is a specialised field of medicine focused on the safety, health, and wellbeing of employees in relation to their work environment. 

OH encompasses wellbeing initiatives, preventative health screening, and health surveillance programmes with a view to:

  • Prevent occupational illnesses and injuries through hazard identification and control measures.
  • Promote employee wellbeing by encouraging healthy habits and early detection of health issues.
  • Improve workplace safety by ensuring employees are physically and mentally fit for their duties.
  • Reduce healthcare costs for both businesses and employees by identifying and addressing health problems early on.

Wellbeing initiatives

Think of wellbeing programmes as building a strong foundation for employee health.  It encompasses a wide range of proactive measures, aimed at preventing illness and promoting overall wellbeing.  Here are some key aspects:

  • Healthy lifestyle promotion: Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep through workshops, wellness programmes, and on-site fitness facilities.
  • Vaccinations: Offering immunisations against common illnesses like influenza can significantly reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs.
  • Stress management programmes: Providing resources and training to help employees manage stress, a significant contributor to health problems.
  • Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Offering confidential counseling and support services for various personal and emotional challenges.

Benefits:

  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases and work-related injuries
  • Improved employee morale and engagement
  • Lower healthcare costs for both employees and businesses
  • Increased productivity and reduced absenteeism

Employee health screening

Health screening focuses on taking a snapshot of an employee's health at a specific point in time. These one-off assessments can identify potential health risks early on, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes. Think of it as a check-up to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.  Here are some examples:

  • General health screen: Qured's general health screen identifies causes of fatigue and the key risk indicators for the most prevalent incapacitating illnesses in organisations today - metabolic syndrome, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
  • Musculoskeletal screenings: Assessing posture, range of motion, and joint pain, particularly relevant for physically demanding jobs.
  • Mental health screenings: Identifying early signs of depression, anxiety, or stress.

Chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease are often silent for years, developing without noticeable symptoms until they reach a more advanced stage.  Regular health screens are crucial for catching these conditions early on, when they are most treatable.  Early detection allows for:

  • Prompt intervention: Early diagnosis enables timely treatment with medication, lifestyle changes, and other interventions that can significantly impact the course of the disease.
  • Improved health outcomes: Early treatment leads to better long-term health outcomes and a reduced risk of serious complications.
  • Reduced healthcare costs: Treating chronic diseases in their early stages is significantly less expensive than managing advanced complications.

Benefits of regular health screenings:

  • Early detection of potential health problems, particularly chronic illnesses
  • Improved employee awareness of their health status
  • Increased likelihood of successful treatment and disease management
  • Reduced future healthcare costs associated with complications
  • Increased employee productivity and reduced absenteeism due to illness

Health Surveillance

Health surveillance is an ongoing process that monitors employees for exposure to specific workplace hazards over time. Unlike health screenings, it's not a one-off assessment. This approach is crucial for identifying work-related health risks and preventing future problems.  Think of it as ongoing monitoring of your employees' health in relation to their work environment. Here are some examples of health surveillance programmes:

  • Regular dust exposure monitoring for construction workers: This helps prevent lung diseases like pneumoconiosis.
  • Audiometry testing for employees working with loud machinery: Protects against hearing loss.
  • Spinal health monitoring for long-haul drivers: Helps prevent musculoskeletal issues associated with sitting for long periods.

Benefits:

  • Identification of work-related health hazards
  • Ability to implement preventative measures to safeguard employees
  • Reduced risk of occupational illnesses and injuries
  • Improved compliance with safety regulations

Where in the business should these initiatives sit?

The ideal placement for these employee health initiatives depends on the specific structure of your organisation. However, two common approaches are:

  • Within Human Resources (HR): In many companies, HR departments handle employee wellbeing initiatives. They may partner with occupational health specialists to design and implement health and wellbeing programmes. HR would oversee logistics, communication and programme participation, with occupational health professionals providing expertise and guidance where needed.
  • A dedicated cccupational health department: Larger companies or those in high-risk industries may have a dedicated occupational health department. This department would be responsible for all aspects of employee health and safety, including developing and managing health initiatives, conducting health assessments, and monitoring workplace hazards.

By investing in health initiatives, businesses can create a healthier and safer work environment for their employees.  This leads to numerous benefits, including:

Employees

  • Protect health and prevent illness
  • Support to return to work after illness
  • Maintain earnings
  • Maintain quality of life

Employers

  • Reduce sickness absence & risk of accidents
  • Improve business performance
  • Avoid litigation
  • Enhanced company reputation
  • Improved compliance with safety regulations

Economy

  • Reduce NHS costs
  • Reduce the cost of state benefits
  • Increase tax revenues
  • Revitalise the UK economy

A comprehensive approach to employee health that incorporates employee wellbeing initiatives, preventative health screening, as well as health surveillance, is essential for building a thriving and sustainable business, particularly in safety-critical organisations.  By prioritising employee health, companies can create a win-win situation for both employers and employees.

If you'd like more information on how Qured can support your organisation with preventative health screening please get in touch.