Employee screenings and health checks are an important part of corporate life for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Now, more than ever, screening checks and safety precautions are carried out conscientiously as the economy faces an uphill battle against the effects of COVID-19. However, employee health screenings have long played an essential role in the financial and cultural successes of workplaces around the world.

Why are these checks important?

Ascertaining employees’ ability to fulfil their role

Some of the most important health checks take place before offers of employment. They determine whether a person is physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the role they’ve applied for, and can indicate potential health issues that an applicant might be unaware of. Some employers will base their recruitment decisions upon the results of these screenings, while others will use them to prepare additional guidance and resources for new starters.

Uncovering and diagnosing any potential health issues

Comprehensive health screenings sometimes diagnose medical conditions that employees are otherwise unaware of. For example, they might uncover instances of hereditary diseases, or raise concerns regarding blood pressure or cholesterol. Blood tests, such as the HCV test, can detect viruses before symptoms appear. These early warnings empower employees to seek medical advice and intervention far more quickly, and can drastically reduce the impact of absenteeism. Remember, this may be the only health check that some employees attend – particularly if a company has made their attendance mandatory.

Reducing absenteeism and staff turnover

As a result of better advice and support, and early diagnosis, employees are guided towards making the right choices regarding diet, exercise and lifestyle. This, in turn, limits the amount of time they may need to take away from work owing to poor fitness, stress, or an otherwise unhealthy lifestyle. In extreme cases, health screenings can diagnose substance misuse, and ensure that a person receives the help they need. Absenteeism and high staff turnover are therefore reduced, saving companies time, money and expertise.

Creating a safer workplace

As a result of health screenings, employees will develop a culture of healthier habits and become more aware of their colleagues and working environment. These kinds of screenings encourage accountability and responsibility, as well as ensuring that underlying issues are dealt with promptly and appropriately.

Improving morale and staff wellbeing

Regular screenings let employees know that their health and wellbeing matters, and that they will have access to support should any medical conditions or problems become apparent. They can improve staff loyalty and productivity, as well as boosting morale; staff tend to be much happier; and turnover is lower when staff are presented with such evidence of employer proactiveness. Above all, employee health checks make sure that nobody is left behind, and that mental and physical concerns are raised in a timely fashion.

Health screenings are an investment in the people and the place, financially and culturally benefiting workplaces of every type and size. They have the potential to positively affect instances of absenteeism, as well as encouraging a culture of productivity and loyalty. Put simply, workplaces cannot afford to ignore their responsibilities when it comes to employee health and wellbeing.

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