At home health tests – a future of business productivity?

For all businesses, from small to enterprise, productivity is key to success. Companies are constantly looking for ways to enhance performance, streamline operations, and foster a healthy work environment in their efforts to maximise return from their staff. One often overlooked yet highly effective way to do this is by investing in at-home health tests for employees. While this might sound like a niche or novel idea, the benefits of providing employees with access to easy-to-use, at-home health tests are far-reaching, not just for their well-being but for the company’s overall productivity.

Absenteeism from long term health problems crippling for businesses.

There are currently approximately 3 million people in the UK out of work due to illness, 94% of which are long-term sicknesses1, costing businesses over £100bn a year in absenteeism2. Indeed, the House of Commons Library has reported that a record 7% of the working-age population is out of work due to long term sickness, with projections that by 2040 3.5 million people with be out of work due to major illness.3 The CIPD claims that absenteeism costs UK employers £522 per employee per year. In industries that require physical presence of staff, such as construction, healthcare, transport and logistics, that becomes significantly higher due to the immediate need to hire replacement contractors.

How are businesses responding

Health issues can affect employee productivity in various ways—whether through absenteeism, presenteeism (working while sick), or a decrease in overall performance. From a CIPD study in October 2023, business reported that the most common causes of long-term absence due to illness are musculoskeletal injuries, acute medical conditions and stress, most of which, they believe, can be preventable with the appropriate level of care. Indeed, a third of respondents recorded plans to increase their health and wellness budget in 2024, and 84% claimed they had employee assistance programmes for health.4 But there is still a lack of clarity on the best support employees can give.

At-home health tests to enable employees to identify issues early

Early detection leads to early intervention. The doctors at The Sloane Street Surgery, one of the UKs top private GPs, believe that by offering at-home health tests through Explore My Health, businesses can provide employees with the tools to detect potential health problems before they become serious. “Early detection often leads to earlier intervention, which can prevent minor issues from escalating into long-term conditions that cause extended time off work” says Dr. Iona Cobb, a partner at the surgery.

Regular health checks for employees, such as Hba1c (diabetes and pre-diabetes), PSA (prostate) tests, vitamin deficiencies and a full blood count, can be performed discreetly at home, when they want. These tests help employees stay on top of their health and address concerns before they hinder performance. By catching early signs of illness, businesses can support their employees with preventive care, ensuring that health issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Employee Engagement and Well-being

A proactive approach to employee health fosters a culture of wellness and shows that employers genuinely care about their staff’s overall well-being. When employees feel supported in their health journey, it enhances their sense of value and engagement with the company. Offering accessible at-home tests as part of a comprehensive wellness program demonstrates a commitment to employee health that can boost morale.

Additionally, employees are more likely to take care of themselves when they have easy access to tests that provide valuable health data. Employees who feel empowered to monitor their health are more likely to make better lifestyle choices, take fewer sick days, and feel more motivated at work. Engaged and healthy employees directly translate to a more productive workforce.

Reduced Sick Days and Increased Availability

Sick days are one of the most common disruptions to workplace productivity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that employees don’t always need to visit a clinic or doctor’s office to monitor their health. Many illnesses, particularly chronic conditions, can be detected early through convenient home testing kits. This means that employees who are aware of their health status can make informed decisions about how to manage a potential issue.

Cost Savings for Employers

The financial benefits of at-home health tests extend beyond employee productivity. By investing in these tests, employers can reduce the long-term costs associated with healthcare, absenteeism, and even employee turnover. The proactive nature of health testing reduces the chances of severe illnesses developing, which could lead to extended medical leave or disability claims.

Moreover, healthy employees tend to have fewer claims and are less likely to seek expensive treatments. By encouraging preventive health measures, businesses can reduce the overall healthcare costs associated with their workforce.

Health Data and Company Insight

At-home health tests can provide valuable health data that businesses can use to gain insights into the overall well-being of their workforce. This data can help inform wellness programs, tailor employee support, and identify trends that could impact productivity. With permission and privacy considerations, businesses can use this information to understand which areas of employee health may need more attention, whether that’s stress management, sleep quality, or chronic condition management.

By having access to aggregated health data, businesses can create a more customized and effective wellness program. This ensures that employees receive the necessary resources to stay healthy and productive, without the guesswork that can come with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Best-in-Class Health Tests with Explore My Health

Explore My Health deliver best-in-class testing, working with businesses to create their own unique testing programme relevant to their needs. Their blood tests are designed to identify a range of health markers that matter most. From diabetes and prostate cancer to vitamin deficiencies and menopause, their tests provide in-depth insights into your employees’ health. These reliable results are reviewed by the doctors at The Sloane Street Surgery to ensure the highest level of accuracy and expertise.

Conclusion

At-home health tests are more than just a trend—they are a critical component of fostering a healthier, more productive workforce. By offering these tests to employees, businesses demonstrate a commitment to their staff’s well-being, encourage early detection of potential health issues, and ultimately improve overall productivity. From reducing sick days to supporting work environments and saving on long-term healthcare costs, the benefits are clear.

Investing in employee health isn't just the right thing to do—it's also a strategic business decision. Companies that prioritise the health of their workforce will see long-lasting gains in productivity, employee satisfaction, and business success.

Contact Explore My Health

To learn more about our health screening services or to discuss how we can create a tailored package for your business, get in touch today.

1: ONS 2024 Economic inactivity by reason 2: Royal Society for Public Health Vision, Voice and Practice A Better Way of Doing Business 3: House of Commons Library 2024 Inactivity due to illness reaches record 4: CIPD Sickness absence rate jumps to the highest in a decade