Practical ways to engage employees with preventative wellbeing strategies

Workplace wellbeing can help bridge the gap between growing employee aspirations and current health strategies.

UK businesses are facing a looming health crisis: long-term sickness absence is projected to surge by over 50% in the next five years, potentially leaving 4.3 million people unable to work.

Yet amid this challenge lies opportunity.

Recent research shows that 67% of UK workers want to take charge of their health before problems arise, while 56% prioritise employers who demonstrate genuine commitment to long-term wellbeing.

However, many organisations remain trapped in reactive, rather than preventative, healthcare models.

This disconnect between employee aspirations and current corporate health strategies presents a crucial moment for HR leaders to reshape workplace wellbeing.

Building a prevention-first culture

Primary level interventions - addressing issues before they emerge - form the cornerstone of effective workplace wellbeing.

This means moving beyond reactive measures to create sustainable workloads, robust support systems, and compassionate leadership.

The goal is to embed wellbeing into organisational DNA, equipping managers to support mental health while creating an environment where seeking help is normalised, not stigmatised.

Companies that embrace comprehensive preventative health strategies gain more than just healthier employees - they secure a powerful advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.

Seven practical strategies to engage your workforce in preventative wellbeing include:

1.Comprehensive health screening

Early detection through regular screening can prevent minor health concerns from developing into major conditions, while also helping employees understand and take control of their health journey.

To implement this effectively:

Provide home test kits with virtual health coaching
Enable comprehensive health checks covering multiple health markers
Offer screening packages that assess cholesterol levels, kidney and liver function, bone health, full blood count, and vitamin and thyroid function

2. Mental health early intervention

The pandemic highlighted the crucial importance of mental health support in the workplace, with research showing that 52% of employees feel more engaged and productive when their organisation offers mental health resources, such as access to counselling or wellness programmes.

Creating accessible pathways to mental health support before crisis points occur is essential for maintaining a healthy workforce:

Provide confidential mental health questionnaires
Offer 30-minute consultations with emotional wellbeing advisers
Enable access to counselling services
Support stress, anxiety, and resilience management

3. Musculoskeletal (MSK) health monitoring

With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, MSK issues have emerged as a leading cause of workplace absence.

Many employees lack proper ergonomic setups, often working from dining or kitchen tables, leading to discomfort and long-term issues.

Proactive monitoring and intervention can prevent chronic conditions from developing and ensure employees maintain good physical health regardless of their work setting:

Implement virtual MSK desk assessments
Use AI and computer vision to analyse posture and workspace ergonomics
Provide consultations to prevent potential MSK-related issues
Offer guidance on preventing neck, back, and repetitive strain injuries

4. Integrated preventative services

Modern healthcare needs to be accessible and comprehensive, meeting employees where they are.

A well-rounded preventative approach should combine traditional and innovative healthcare solutions:

Include 24/7 GP helpline access
Provide virtual surgery options
Offer private prescription services
Enable worldwide medical support

5. Holistic wellness incentives

Employee wellbeing extends beyond physical and mental health to encompass financial security and overall life satisfaction.

A holistic approach to wellness incentives can help employees maintain balance across all aspects of their lives:

Create online discount schemes for health and wellness
Offer financial wellness resources
Provide redundancy premium protection
Include professional therapy options (physiotherapy, osteopathy)

6. Personalised health tracking

Each employee's health journey is unique, and modern health solutions need to reflect this individuality.

Personalised tracking systems help employees understand their health status and take appropriate action:

Enable employees to track multiple health indicators
Provide color-coded result systems (green/amber/red)
Offer personalised follow-up advice
Ensure confidential, easy-to-understand reporting

7. Ongoing support ecosystem

Prevention isn't a one-time effort but requires consistent, accessible support throughout the year. Creating a comprehensive support system ensures employees have access to help whenever they need it:

Include year-round GP helpline access
Provide mental health counselling
Offer workplace wellness consultations
Create pathways for further medical support

Moving beyond the tick-box mentality

The shift from reactive to preventative workplace wellbeing marks a crucial transition in employee health strategy.

By moving beyond tick-box exercises to embrace comprehensive, personalised approaches, HR and business leaders can create environments where wellbeing genuinely thrives.

Success comes from shared responsibility across all levels, backed by visible leadership commitment and measurable outcomes.

When organisations invest in preventative wellbeing, they don't just avoid health issues - they build resilient workforces and stronger businesses.

The future belongs to companies that understand this simple truth: investing in employee health today creates stronger organisations tomorrow.