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Improving Employee Health for a Better Workplace
The Importance of Comprehensive Health Care
In today’s world, the concept of “health” extends beyond acute conditions like the common cold or flu. It encompasses chronic health complications, mental health issues, and maternity care, all of which significantly impact individuals’ lives and workplaces. Many of these long-term health concerns have even emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Almost half of workers (46%) have been experiencing mental health issues since before the pandemic.
- 55% of workers report that a mental health issue has affected them more since before the pandemic.
Access to quality health care is essential for everyone, not only from a health perspective but also as a business concern. When employees lack access to quality care, workplaces can suffer from issues such as presenteeism, absenteeism, decreased productivity, and higher rates of employee attrition. On the other hand, workplaces that prioritize and support employee health experience positive impacts.
Enhancing Preventive Health Care
Presenteeism is a prevalent problem where employees are physically present but unable to function fully due to illness or other medical conditions. Two decades ago, it was estimated that presenteeism costs US companies over $150 billion per year, and the rates are likely even higher today.
One clear way to improve presenteeism and absenteeism is by ensuring that employees receive preventive health care, including annual wellness exams, vaccinations, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management. These measures allow individuals to manage their health proactively, preventing emergencies. However, the reality is that only 8% of adults have received the recommended preventive care. Emphasizing preventive care can lead to lower health care costs, reduced disease-related absenteeism, improved quality of life for workers, and decreased health-related expenditures for employers.
Employers can play a significant role in encouraging employees to seek preventive care by providing resources and information, even for those who do not have health insurance. Offering access to Certified Application Counselors (CAC) who can assist individuals in enrolling in health insurance can have a positive impact on employees’ wellness and productivity.
Prioritizing Mental Health Care
Mental health challenges pose significant burdens on employees and employers, both in terms of quality of life and financial costs. Between 30% and 50% of adults experience mental illness during their lifetimes, resulting in over $200 billion annually in health care utilization and lost work productivity. While stigmas associated with mental health have decreased, many employees still face difficulties accessing care. In fact, 67% of employees with mental illness find it challenging to obtain necessary treatments.
Employer-supported mental health care can help identify emerging mental health issues and encourage early treatment. Just like with preventive health care, addressing mental health issues before they escalate into emergencies is crucial. The demand for mental health services, from counseling to medication management, continues to rise, emphasizing the need for businesses to prioritize these services.
Caring for Maternal Health
The conversation around paid leave options for new parents extends beyond the scope of this article, but the benefits for businesses are evident. Research from The Sagamore Institute shows that access to paid family leave leads to a higher likelihood of wage increases for women in the year following childbirth, a lower likelihood of first-time mothers quitting their jobs, and a reduced reliance on public assistance after childbirth.
Additionally, Rutgers University’s Center for Women and Work found that women who take leaves of 30 or more days after childbirth are 54% more likely to report wage increases in the following year compared to those who take no leave at all. The significant number of women leaving the workforce poses negative consequences for workplaces, families, and the overall economy. Employers can make a difference by ensuring expecting and new mothers have access to quality care, ultimately benefiting both employees and businesses.
These days, simply offering health care options is not enough; people need support to access and utilize these resources. Employers who prioritize their employees’ physical and mental health by providing flexibility and support will reap positive returns on their investment, extending far beyond financial gains.
Marc Hackett serves as the chief executive officer of the Jane Pauley Community Health Center (JPCHC). With over 25 years of experience in health care environments, including as the founder of the Windrose Health Network and executive director of the Shalom Health Care Center, Hackett brings expertise in supervisory, financial, and business management.
