How to assess a health assessment
Posted on 20th August 2024 at 12:01
If you are in business, you do not need us to tell you that good employee health means good business health. You'll already know how much an illness can affect your valued staff members directly, and how much their colleagues rally round to support them. You'll see how sickness absence affects your bottom line and you'll know the management hours it takes to get your staff member back to some semblance of normal.
But what you might not know is how a simple health assessment can help nip ill health in the bud, or at least reduce the impact on everyone. Being able to spot an issue early on helps stop it escalating into a problem, or can help you and your team plan for longer-term support or action down the line.
With so much choice for health assessments, how can employers know they are choosing the right level and from the best clinical partner for them? That was the topic of a recent Verve Healthcare Lunch and Learn, which took the form of a conversation between our very own Steve Desborough asked GP Amina Albeyatti.
We recorded it - and you can watch it below. Or read our summary. Or why not do both?
Dr Albeyatti noted, "Health checks are an opportunity to lift the lid on health and understand the main issues factually with that person's health." By investing in health assessments, employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of employee sickness absence and improve overall productivity."
Navigating Different Levels of Health Assessments
When choosing your employee health assessment packages, it is important to pick the one(s) that are going to give you and your team the best outcomes. Let us run through what is in our own packages:
Verve Essential: This basic level includes fundamental checks including weight, BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. These assessments provide a snapshot of an employee's current health and highlight any immediate concerns.
Verve Extended: Building on the Essential, these assessments include more comprehensive tests like kidney and liver function tests, cancer markers, and thyroid function assessments. They are ideal for businesses aiming to address potential health issues that may arise in the near future.
Verve Comprehensive: Conducted by a qualified GP, this thorough assessment includes a full questionnaire, extensive blood tests, and additional screenings such as ECGs. Dr Albeyatti emphasised the importance of a comprehensive approach, stating, "It’s not just about immediate health but also long-term health management."
Choosing the Right Health Assessment for Your Workforce
When selecting the appropriate level of health assessment for your workforce, consider the following factors:
Workforce Demographics: Understanding the age, gender, and health history of your employees can help determine which assessments are most relevant. Younger employees might benefit from lifestyle assessments, while older employees may require screenings for age-related conditions.
Industry-Specific Needs: Different sectors have unique health risks. For example, employees in physically demanding jobs may require assessments that focus on musculoskeletal health, while those in sedentary roles might benefit from cardiovascular health checks.
Employee Feedback: Engaging with employees to understand their health concerns and preferences can guide you in selecting the most relevant assessments. This not only fosters a culture of openness but also empowers employees to take charge of their health.
Implementing Employee Health Assessments: Best Practices
Once you’ve chosen the appropriate level of health assessment, implementing them effectively is crucial. Here are some best practices:
Clear Communication: Articulate the purpose and benefits of health assessments to your employees. Transparency builds trust and encourages participation.
Maintain Confidentiality: Assure employees that their health information will be kept confidential and used solely for their benefit.
Integration with Wellness Initiatives: Align health assessments with existing wellness programmes to create a comprehensive health strategy.
Follow-Up and Support: Provide follow-up support for employees who need further medical attention or lifestyle changes. This could include referrals to specialists or access to mental health resources.
The Business Case for Employee Health Assessments
Investing in health assessments is not merely a compliance issue; it’s a strategic business decision. The costs associated with employee sickness absence can be substantial, impacting productivity and morale. But it may be possible to mitigate these by addressing health concerns early.
See how it all fits into place?
Dr Albeyatti emphasised the long-term benefits: "Prevention is much easier than the cure. The sooner we can pick up an issue and start treatment, the less damage there is to the body and wellbeing."
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