4 Reasons Annual Health Screenings at Work Matter

You do a lot to keep your employees happy and healthy. From flexible schedules to discounted gym memberships, there are many alternative health benefits that small businesses can offer employees. One of the best? Annual health screenings.

Onsite health screenings are a great way to aid in employees’ preventative health, and can even save you millions.

Yes, millions. Unhealthy employees present both direct and indirect (think missed days at work) costs to employers. In fact, productivity losses linked to employee absence cost employers $225.8 billion, or $1,685 per employee, annually.

How Annual Health Screenings Benefit Employees

By offering annual screenings, you keep your workforce healthy and productive. What’s more, employees are better able to treat and manage conditions. Here are just a few of the ways annual health screenings contribute to overall employee wellness.

1. Prevention of many diseases

Many health issues present signs of progression before they are dire. Blood tests are great for early detection of common illnesses, as symptoms may not be evident even when internal signs are present.

2. Maintenance of known illnesses

Once diagnosed, illnesses require regular maintenance tasks like check-ups and other appointments. This is one of those indirect ways unhealthy employees present costs. In fact, chronic diseases are at the top of the list when it comes to the costs of unhealthy employees. Chronic disease, or “a long-standing condition that can be controlled but not cured” costs the United States $2.8 trillion every year.

The four most expensive health conditions for US employers are high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, and chest pain – all related to heart disease and stroke.

3. Increased chance of treatment

Sure, costs are important from a business perspective. But at the end of the day, it’s all about helping your employees stay healthy. And annual health screenings go a long way in helping employees discover health conditions early. Early discovery means early treatment, which can be monumental in kicking some illnesses.

4. Increased lifespan and improved health

Whether screenings uncover a disease or a slight imbalance, they let employees take action immediately. When discussed with a doctor, results turn into an action plan that can improve health in the short term AND prolong overall life expectancy.

5. Reduced healthcare costs over time

Nipping problems in the bud comes with a major long-term advantage: reduced future healthcare costs related to costly medical services. Investing in your employees now not only improves their health, but also results in lower costs for you later.

Another great thing about screenings is that they’re relatively quick and can be done onsite. Get in touch to plan your employee health fair today!