Don’t Let Them Down: How Neglecting This One Crucial Health Strategy Could Seriously Harm Your Employees (And Your Bottom Line)

Today’s health system often operates like an auto repair shop, addressing health concerns only after they’ve become critical. Illnesses that are invisible or slow-moving are even more likely to be missed (or, in many cases, quickly dismissed). Instead of nurturing a culture of preventive care, our system opts for quick, Band-Aid fixes that don’t address the underlying concerns.

Given these data points, it’s clear missed screenings can lead to missed diagnoses, which can have a devastating impact on your employees’ health. This is why it’s critical your employees prioritize screenings over pretty much all other commitments. That cryogenic therapy session Carly from PR has been raving about? It might have to wait until the following week.

Health benefits guidance is the answer

Missed health screenings don’t just take their toll on your employees’ health; they also impact your work environment---by increasing sick days and decreasing your employees' output and commitment. But how can you encourage screenings among your younger, busier employees who don't think illness will happen to them?

Enter health benefits navigation—a solution that promotes smarter health decisions, through personalized benefits support, and regular, year-round communication. Ongoing, multi-channel marketing and communication efforts keep employees actively engaged and ensure their health is top of mind when it’s time for them to schedule a preventative screening.  By helping to keep your employees healthy, you can foster a happier, more resilient workforce.

How will screenings affect your workplace?

Healthier employees mean fewer sick days and heightened productivity.  Health screenings can significantly increase productivity and presenteeism, ensuring employees are not only in the office but are also operating at their best. Early intervention means that minor health issues are quickly addressed, keeping employees engaged and on track.

Let’s get physical:  Health screenings ensure employees keep their health in check so they can stay productive and motivated at work. As mentioned, screenings enable the early detection of diseases such as cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular conditions, allowing for timely and effective treatment. Regular screenings can also identify risk factors for certain diseases, leading to early interventions. Additionally, screenings can help employees manage chronic conditions, preventing complications and maintaining overall health.

Year-round member marketing and communication campaigns can encourage utilization of health screenings so employees can better manage their health.  Additionally, they can promote the use of a virtual option, enabling employees to quickly follow up with doctors after they receive their screening results.

Mental health matters: Health screenings can also help your employees better manage their mental and emotional health.  Screenings can identify early signs of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and OCD, enabling prompt intervention and support. Proactive mental healthcare reduces stress and enhances employees’ overall quality of life, boosting productivity and job satisfaction. Your employees’ mental health can also create a ripple effect in the workplace, impacting the emotions, energy levels, and productivity of those around them.

Benefits guidance can steer employees to mental health screenings and follow-up care, ensuring employees receive appropriate and ongoing support for their mental well-being. Benefits communication will help educate employees about mental health screenings and reduce any stigmas around them.

Foster a culture of health: Promoting health screenings helps foster a culture where employees feel valued and understood.  By prioritizing health screenings, your company demonstrates a genuine commitment to your employees’ overall wellness, leading to increased morale and a more positive work environment.

A focus on preventative health can also improve retention rates. Employees who feel their health is valued are more loyal and committed, reducing turnover and the associated costs of hiring and training new employees.

Benefits communication makes building such a culture possible by providing educational materials and ongoing, personalized support. Benefits specialists can steer employees towards these vital health checks and help them navigate available resources.

Screenings aren’t always an easy sell

But let's face it, not all employees will be lining up for screenings. Their hesitation may stem from tight schedules, anxiety about results, lack of understanding, and privacy concerns. Benefits communication can help tackle these hesitations with education and ongoing support, ultimately driving up engagement.

Who has the time?:  When it comes to screenings, time constraints are perhaps the largest hurdle. Employees juggling work and personal commitments often struggle to fit screenings into the mix. Benefits navigation can relieve some of employees’ concerns around time by steering them to nearby facilities and offering a virtual option for follow-up.

Health anxiety is real: Fear of screening results can also scare off employees from heading to a screening clinic. The prospect of uncovering a health issue can be daunting, leading some to avoid screenings altogether. This is why education and ongoing support is so critical. Benefits marketing and communication can provide resources that highlight the importance of early detection and the positive outcomes of health screenings. They can offer personalized support to ensure employees understand their specific health information, easing anxiety and promoting participation.

Ignorance isn’t always bliss: As you might expect, not all employees fully grasp the value of screenings. Benefits communication can offer awareness campaigns and clear, concise materials, to help employees better understand the life-changing impact of screenings. Benefits guides can answer questions about screenings and steer employees to the specific labs that are relevant to them.

Yes, their data is safe: Confidentiality concerns can also spur hesitation. Employees may worry about the privacy of their health data and how it will be used. Benefits communication can ensure that all health information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality. By clearly and thoughtfully addressing privacy concerns, they can foster trust and encourage greater participation.

Some Final Thoughts

Remember: your employees are more than just disposable cogs in a machine; you need to help them feel valued for who they are, not just what they do. By prioritizing their overall health and well-being, you’re nurturing an environment where they feel truly appreciated and motivated to do their best. If you want them to reach their full potential, know that they will also need your support.

Next Steps

So, what’s the next step? As an HR leader, you need to assess what you are doing to truly help your employees feel sufficiently supported. Offering standard health benefits will no longer be enough; you need to ensure your employees’ health journey includes a range of preventive and integrative approaches. Want to learn more about how we can help you encourage and promote preventative measures such as health screenings? Contact us today to learn more.