The health screening benefits trends you need to know about
Figures from the Office of National Statistics in 2023 revealed that 2.5 million people reported long-term sickness – up from 2 million in 2019.
As health concerns loom large and NHS resources struggle with demand, there’s a growing appetite for individuals and employers to prioritise healthcare.
This shift towards preventative healthcare has led to a surge in innovative health screening benefits within employee health and wellbeing schemes.
These benefits cater to employee health needs and contribute to productivity and employee satisfaction.
In the remote working era, there is a greater emphasis on looking after our physical and mental health. Employers are under increasing pressure to provide the tools and opportunities to prioritise this.
Here are 5 health screening benefits innovations fuelling preventative healthcare trends:
1. Wearable technology
Wearable devices can track various health metrics, such as heart rate, sleep patterns and physical activity levels. Employers are using this technology to provide personalised health insights to employees, empowering them to take steps towards improving their wellbeing and work-life balance.
According to Microsoft, its employees responded with a 47% boost in physical activity and a 5% reduction in body mass index after its initiative to prioritise workforce health and wellness through technology.
2. Genetic testing
A revolutionary tool in health screening benefits, genetic testing analyses an individual’s genetic makeup to identify potential health risks and predispositions.
This enables employees to make lifestyle choices and seek appropriate medical care. As an employer, you can use genetic testing to promote preventive healthcare benefits.
3. Virtual health screenings
Consider incorporating virtual health screenings and mental health support in your benefits schemes.
Addressing mental health can foster a supportive work environment and help employees manage stress and mental health challenges.
You can provide access to mental health professionals for counselling and therapy sessions and online mental health assessments to identify potential issues.
4. Telemedicine
With the rise of remote working, employers are embracing telemedicine for health and lifestyle benefits.
Telemedicine eliminates the need for in-person visits, improving accessibility and convenience while ensuring continuity of care. Plus, staff can undergo health assessments and consultations with healthcare professionals at home or in the office.
5. Health risk assessments and personalised wellness plans
Offering comprehensive health risk assessments allows employees to evaluate their health status and identify areas for improvement.
You can then tailor wellness plans to their specific needs and goals. Plans can include recommendations for lifestyle adjustments and preventive health screenings, encouraging employees to take better care of their health.
How to adapt benefits schemes towards preventive healthcare
Health screening benefits offer convenient access to regular checks, bypassing public healthcare complexities. Drive adoption by crafting tailored schemes, selecting screening options and partnering with providers. Use data analytics to customise benefits and optimise resource allocation.
Gympass’ 2023 Return on Wellbeing Study, which surveyed more than 2,000 HR leaders, found that 98% of companies saw an improvement in employee satisfaction following the implementation of a wellness programme.
The study also revealed that 85% of employees are likely to stay in a role if their company took better care of their wellbeing.
Wellness initiatives can include fitness challenges, nutrition workshops and stress management seminars, and you can incentivise participation with rewards.
Education is key. Empower employees with preventive healthcare knowledge and address financial concerns that can alleviate stress, improving overall wellbeing.
The latest innovations in health screening benefits are revolutionising employee wellness schemes, offering personalised solutions that encourage individuals to take charge of their health.
By using cutting-edge technologies and innovative benefits, preventative healthcare can create a culture that provides value for employees and organisations.
FlexGenius, powered by Avantus, is a flexible employee benefits platform that allows HR teams to incorporate any health and wellbeing benefits in their schemes and seamlessly communicate them with staff.
In partnership with Avantus
Flexible Benefits & Technology specialist providing online, highly configurable platforms to Customers and Intermediaries worldwide.
