Australia’s corporate workforce is currently facing significant health risks. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, as of 2024:
- One in six Australians have faced cardiovascular disease.
- One in 20 Australians have been diagnosed with diabetes.
- Two in three Australians have been diagnosed with skin cancer.
- 31 males and 24.9 females have been diagnosed with bowel cancer per every 100,000 people tested.
Given these statistics, annual corporate health check-ups have become more critical than ever. For time-poor professionals, juggling deadlines and a fast-paced routine often takes precedence over personal health.
This makes annual health check-ups a much-needed business investment. For organisations across the nation, promoting these health assessments not only ensures employee wellbeing but also serves as a long-term venture in a healthier, more resilient workforce.
Over time, as employees become more aware of their health, they’ll be empowered to make better lifestyle choices for themselves. Ultimately, this will lead to enhanced workplace productivity and contribute to an overarching culture of wellness across Australia. Hence, in this blog, we’ll explore how annual health check-ups can improve corporate employee health and foster overall workplace well-being.
Corporate Workforce Health in Australia
A 2024 study by Monash University highlighted that with Australia’s unemployment rates at historic lows, it’s more important than ever for businesses to retain healthy, productive employees. The study revealed some striking trends:
- Over 87% of Australian workers have visited a general practitioner.
- 7% of workers have been hospitalised due to physical health issues.
- 43% report high job demands, while 42% say they have low control over their work.
- 29% of workers exceed alcohol consumption guidelines.
- More than half, approximately 54% of workers fail to meet recommended fruit and vegetable intake.
These findings emphasise the importance of regularly monitoring employee health. Here’s why annual health check-ups are crucial for corporates:
Reduced Rates of Long-Term Sick Leave
One of the primary benefits of routine health check-ups is the early detection of chronic conditions. For employees dealing with issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, early intervention helps in managing these conditions more effectively. For employers, this translates into lower rates of absenteeism or of productivity loss due to employees working while unwell.
Early investment in preventative healthcare will ensure employees remain more vigilant about their health, adopting relevant mitigation measures before it’s too late.
More Efficient Allocation of Resources
Annual corporate health check-ups help employers streamline resource allocation by addressing employee health risks before they escalate. For instance, by identifying common workplace stressors or physical ailments early on, human resource (HR) departments can create targeted programs or workload adjustments to maximise employee productivity.
Furthermore, fewer long-term absences due to health issues means fewer disruptions to business operations, leading to cost savings and greater financial stability.
Improved Employee Morale
Employees want to feel valued by their organisations, and a focus on their health through annual check-ups will boost their morale and loyalty. Annual health check-ups signal to employees that their employer is invested in their well-being.
Knowing that health issues are being monitored can also alleviate stress and anxiety, helping employees feel more secure in their roles and allowing them to focus on their work and stay committed to the organisation.
Meeting Legal and Compliance Requirements
For many businesses, annual corporate health check-ups help them meet both legal and compliance requirements. This is particularly true within industries with stringent occupational health and safety standards.
For example, employees working within industries such as construction and healthcare often face elevated exposure to hazardous materials or chemicals and may require health screenings to comply with safety standards. By implementing regular check-ups, companies not only avoid potential fines or lawsuits but also demonstrate a commitment to the health and safety of their workforce.
How Can BizHealth Help?
Looking to start implementing annual health check-ups for your team? At BizHealth, we understand how crucial corporate health is to the success of your business. Our team of skilled healthcare professionals are prepared to conduct a range of health assessments, including:
- Blood pressure checks
- Blood glucose and cholesterol testing
- Waist circumference measurement
- Diabetes risk assessment using the AUSDRISK Tool
- Health advice based on test results
- A personal health questionnaire covering diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use
We ensure full confidentiality for all services, so your employees feel safe and supported throughout the process. Additionally, we can tailor our health and well-being programs to meet the specific needs of your workforce.
Ready to prioritise the health of your corporate workforce? Contact BizHealth today to start making a positive difference in the health and happiness of your team.