In today’s fast-paced work environment, employee health has become a critical concern for employers. With rising cases of physical and mental health issues, employers are realising the importance of leveraging health data to create a healthier team.
But what is health data? And how can employers and employees alike use it to make more proactive health choices? We’ll walk through this and more in this blog. Let’s dive in!
Employee health is getting worse
Ill health is on the rise. According to the Office for National Statistics, 36% of working age people report that they had at least one long-term health condition. On top of that, 2.5 million people are currently out of work, a 400,000 increase since the start of Covid-19.
Why is that? There are several contributing factors, including poor mental health, increases in diseases like type-2 diabetes, and more chronic pain being experienced across the board.
Understanding these trends is the first step towards addressing the health crisis in the workplace.
Ill health has steep effects on productivity. More illness means more time off, and more time off means less time working. And with ill-health increasing across the board, that’s a lot of time lost.
Luckily, advancements in technology and preventative healthcare mean that employers can leverage employee health data, staying ahead of the curve and keeping employees’ health in check.
Understanding health data
Health data encompasses a wide range of information related to a person’s physical and mental health, including vital signs, genetic information, medical history, and results from health screenings. This data provides valuable insights that can be used to monitor, predict, and improve overall health and wellbeing. More specifically, health data can include:
- Physical health screenings: Regular check-ups that monitor vital signs and detect early signs of illness.
- Mental health assessments: Tools and surveys that evaluate stress levels, anxiety, and overall mental wellbeing.
- Epigenetic testing: Advanced tests that provide insights into how lifestyle and environment impact genetic expression, offering a deeper understanding of individual health risks and needs.
In essence, health data is a comprehensive resource that integrates various health metrics to offer a holistic view of a person’s wellbeing, enabling targeted and effective health interventions.
The importance of personalised health data
Personalised health data is crucial for addressing the unique needs of each employee. Tailored health insights enable employees to take specific actions to improve their wellbeing. If employees have access to knowledge about diseases or other conditions they might be susceptible to, they can take preventative measures before these come to the forefront. This kind of approach can help employees feel more engaged with their health, and leads to reduced absenteeism and higher productivity.
Want to learn more about the impact of personalised health data in the workplace? Check out our webinar to get the full scoop from industry experts.
Proactive health management
Traditionally, health management has been reactive, addressing issues as they arise. However, using health data allows employees to adopt a proactive approach, identifying potential health risks early and taking preventive measures. This shift not only improves health outcomes but also reduces overall healthcare costs and enhances productivity.
Strategies for employees to engage with health data
To maximise the benefits of health data, employees should actively engage with their health insights. Effective strategies include:
- Regular monitoring: Keeping track of health metrics through apps and wearables.
- Participating in health programs: Engaging in workplace health initiatives and screenings.
- Setting personal goals: Using health data to set and achieve personal health objectives.
- Using their benefits: Make the most of epigenetic testing and health screening benefits for an up-to-date snapshot of their health and risk factors.
Creating a supportive culture that values and prioritises health and wellbeing can also encourage employees to take an active role in managing their health.
Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Health Data Programs
Implementing personalised health and wellbeing data programs can pose several challenges, including ensuring data privacy, gaining employee trust, and communicating the importance of health data to employees. To address these challenges, companies should:
- Prioritise data privacy: Implement robust data protection measures and clearly communicate these to employees to build trust.
- Engage employees: Involve employees in the design and implementation of health programs and benefits to ensure they meet their needs and preferences.
- Provide education: Offer training sessions to help employees understand the benefits of personalised health data and how to use it effectively.
By addressing these challenges, companies can create a supportive environment where employees feel safe and motivated to engage with their health data.
Final thoughts
With employee ill-health proving a challenge to companies, utilising health data is an effective solution that puts employee health on the radar before the need for intervention, meaning less time lost to illness. By adopting a proactive approach and integrating personalised health insights, employers and employees alike can significantly improve health outcomes, boost productivity, and foster a healthier workplace culture. With the right strategies, companies can navigate the challenges and fully realise the benefits of health data for the health of their employees – and their business.
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