There are countless ways the world has been different since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though most countries are now back to normal in terms of daily life, there are some changes that may not go away anytime soon.
One of the transformations is the increasing relevance and frequency of businesses conducting healthcare screening for their employees. Companies now want to ensure their employees are healthy, both mentally and physically, as part of maintaining a successful and productive workplace.
Below is a guide that explains how post-pandemic healthcare screenings have improved circumstances for both employees and the companies conducting those screenings.
What Are Workplace Health Screenings?
The concept of workplace health screenings is not a new phenomenon, as many countries do request that their employees undergo drug tests or other screenings before they can start a new job. While such measures are not permitted in the UK, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to some changes in how the UK screens its employees.
The changes that occurred during the pandemic have meant that more companies are prioritising health screenings for their employees, as they want to ensure everyone is healthy to work at present and in the future.
Such screenings often include lifestyle and mental health questionnaires, blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, BMI, pulse rate, and more.
COVID-19 Daily Symptom Screenings
A change that has occurred at many workplaces is that employees must undergo daily symptom screenings to ensure they are not positive for COVID-19 or any other virus. Such checks do involve a bit of self-reporting from employees, as they must be honest about any issues they are experiencing.
Companies can, however, take some control into their hands in these situations. They can choose to use temperature monitors to ensure their employees do not have a fever if they are entering the workplace. Employees may also be asked to voluntarily take a COVID-19 test periodically, which would ensure they are not positive for the virus and possibly spreading it to other people at work.
Are These Screenings Helpful for Companies?
Businesses around the UK benefit immensely from healthcare screenings. If they can bring in professionals to screen their patients every few months, they can gain a proper understanding of the mental and physical health of their workforce.
The addition of symptom checks, COVID-19 tests, and testing for other viruses ensures that businesses are taking steps to keep their workforce healthy. Rather than allowing a virus to spread among the workers, routine testing ensures that any problem is nipped in the bud.
How Workers Benefit from Screenings
Many businesses are now ensuring their employees are playing it safe when it comes to working when they are unwell. If an employee reports specific symptoms, they are asked to stay or go home immediately. They can then take a test for COVID-19, flu, or any other virus to ensure they are not positive for a condition that could be passed on to other people at work.
Such a practice helps the entire workforce, as they are much less likely to get exposed to viruses while they are on the job and the person who has to stay home benefits, as they do not feel pressure to work while they are unwell.
Workers can also take advantage of regular health screenings that their companies provide. Getting a brief checkup via your employer, such as your cholesterol or blood sugar levels, can help you gain a better understanding of your health and wellness.
Healthy Employees Mean a Healthy Company
What many business owners are now realising is that having healthy employees means their company will likely be in a better situation as well. Workers who are healthy and content can give their best performances each day, which ensures the company is productive and meeting its objectives.
Even though healthcare screenings do cost money and take up time, they provide significant benefits for everyone involved. Employees learn about their health without any cost to them, while companies can ensure their workforce is in good shape.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is close to the rearview mirror, the increasing frequency of such screenings need not go away anytime soon.
