Understanding the value of Occupational Health to workplace wellbeing
Since it was first identified in the US in 2021, the Great Resignation has become a global phenomenon, with higher-than-expected numbers of employees leaving their jobs since the outbreak of Covid. This partly stemmed from a reluctance to return to in-person work once the pandemic was perceived to be no longer a risk to health and safety.
However, it is also clear that the pandemic has had a profound impact on the way employees view their jobs, their work-life balance, and the expectations they have of their employers.
One study by Indeed in March 2021 found that 52% of employees were experiencing burnout, and another by Gartner published last year found that 65% said the pandemic had made them rethink the place that work had in their lives.
The importance of wellbeing at work
This week has been nominated as Wellbeing at Work Week and is an initiative to spotlight good workplace wellbeing practices. In today’s fast-paced world, where work plays a pivotal role in our lives, maintaining employee wellbeing cannot be overstated.
Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their workforce remains healthy, both physically and mentally. One crucial aspect of achieving this goal is through the provision of Occupational Health Services. These services can be instrumental in promoting and maintaining the health and wellbeing of employees.
Occupational Health Services and your employees
Occupational Health Services, commonly referred to as OHS, encompass a range of medical and healthcare services tailored to meet the needs of a company’s workforce. These services can be provided by private doctors’ clinics, in-house medical teams, or through outsourced providers. Regardless of the source, their primary focus is on safeguarding and improving employees’ health in the workplace.
The significance of OHS lies in its role as a proactive measure. Employers who invest in OHS prioritise preventing health issues rather than simply reacting to them. This prevention-first approach has numerous benefits, not least reducing the number of sick days taken by employees. When workers are healthy, they are more productive, engaged, and less likely to be absent from work due to illness. As such, OHS can lead to significant cost savings for employers while boosting their bottom line.
However, the benefits of OHS extend far beyond the financial realm. These services also address the mental and emotional wellbeing of employees, which is crucial in today’s stress-filled work environments.
Furthermore, OHS plays a vital role in the early detection and management of chronic diseases. Regular health check-ups and screenings can identify health issues in their initial stages, making it easier to manage and treat them effectively. This month, we mark World Diabetes Day – as covered in a previous blog, the most recent UK figures suggest that one in three adults are living with prediabetes, meaning they are ‘on the cusp’ of developing type 2 diabetes.
Employers who provide OHS not only contribute to the wellbeing of their employees but also show a commitment to their long-term health. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty among the workforce.
The importance of fostering wellbeing at work goes beyond the individual employee. It extends to the overall performance and success of the organisation. Healthy employees are more productive, engaged, and innovative. They are likely to be more motivated and satisfied, reducing turnover rates and recruitment costs. In a world where attracting and retaining top talent is constantly challenging, offering comprehensive OHS can be a competitive advantage.
If you’re interested in exploring the value of Occupational Health Services, call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 to discuss further with our team.
