The Importance of Employee Health

Employee health is an important aspect that cannot be overlooked in the modern workplace. Health and well-being are essential for employees to perform at their best, both in terms of their physical and mental abilities. In this article, we will discuss the importance of health in a working environment and why employers should make employee care a priority to promote and maintain it in the workplace.

Promoting Employee Health in the Workplace

There’s no denying that fostering a positive company culture which values the health and well-being of its employees can go a long way towards creating a strong and successful business. Promoting employee health in the workplace shows that the company puts its team members first – this demonstrates a positive trickle-down management style. Employees who recognise these efforts are found to increase their engagement and productivity as a result.

Importance of Employee Health & Well-being

Employers have a duty of care to protect both the physical and mental health and well-being of their staff. With a myriad of occupational challenges that can arise, employers cannot be expected to know exactly how to handle every different situation. That’s where a leading occupational health provider, such as Healthier Workforce, comes in. A harmonious, productive team is the driving force behind any successful business, so supporting their health and well-being from the outset is imperative. By investing time and resources in this way, businesses will quickly reap the rewards of a high performing, dynamic workforce.

Benefits of Improving Employee Health

Employee health and well-being are important for several reasons. Firstly, when employees are physically and mentally healthy, they are less likely to be absent from work, which can increase productivity in the workplace and save businesses a great deal of money otherwise paid out in sickness leave. Secondly, employees who are healthy and happy are more engaged in their work, which can have a positive impact on their overall job satisfaction. Thirdly, having a motivated workforce can improve the company culture and create a positive work environment, helping to reduce staff turnover.

Employee Productivity

It goes without saying that employee productivity is an important factor in the success of any organisation. By addressing any occupational health concerns that might be impairing an employee’s ability to fulfil their role, it will restore their sense of purpose and improve their motivation. When employees are productive, they are able to complete tasks more efficiently and effectively, which can lead to increased profits and success for the company.

Improving Employee Health & Well-being

Practical ways to positively change the health and well-being of an employee include a combination of physical, mental and emotional well-being initiatives. Employers can install ergonomic furniture to help with posture, provide healthy food options in the office, and encourage physical activity and exercise. For this, they can provide access to a gym, offer yoga or meditation classes, start a lunchtime walking club, subsidise a cycle to work scheme, and organise activities such as outdoor sports or team-building events.

They also provide opportunities for employees to manage stress and mental health by ensuring support and resources are readily available. Click here for more information on how to improve employee well-being. 

Checking Your Employees’ Health

Regular health checks are important for employees to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Employers can provide easy access to regular health screenings for their staff, such as health fairs or on-site wellness days, to encourage employees to take an active role in their own health. Additionally, employers also may arrange for occupational health assessments to be carried out to identify any health issues that may impact an employee’s ability to perform their job.

New Employees (Pre-Placement Health Screenings)

For new employees, pre-placement health screenings are an invaluable tool to assess their health and well-being, ensuring their suitability for the role. These assessments help employers identify any potential health issues that may impact an employee’s ability to perform their job and allows them to make appropriate arrangements to support the individual in the workplace.

Existing Employees (Occupational Health Assessments, Mental Health Support, Health & Well-being & Work)

For existing employees, occupational health assessments are great opportunities to pinpoint any health issues that may affect or be affecting their capabilities in their current role. Perhaps they have experienced an injury while at work or their increasing workload has caused them to become stressed; there are various different factors that can impact their physical and mental health. 

Employers should provide access to mental health support and resources, and support employees by allowing them time off work when they need it. Promotion of health and well-being in the workplace through health fairs and on-site wellness days will also engage existing employees, with activities such as health screenings, exercise classes, and workshops on stress management and mental health.

We have seen how employee health and well-being are fundamental aspects of the contemporary workplace, demonstrating how important it is to promote and maintain them, particularly following COVID-19 and the new ways of working brought about by the pandemic. By offering access to healthy food options, encouraging physical activity and exercise, and providing opportunities for employees to manage stress and mental health, employers can create a positive work environment that benefits both the employees and the company. 

Regular health checks, pre-placement health screenings and occupational health assessments are also valuable tools to assess and maintain employee health. By prioritising employee health, employers can create a more productive, efficient and satisfied workforce.

For occupational health services throughout the UK, the experienced team at Healthier Workforce are on hand to help. We offer a comprehensive range of services to businesses of many sizes and sectors, tailoring our approach to best suit your individual company. To find out more, contact us a call today. Alternatively, you can complete an online management referral for our team to review and determine the most suitable action.