Many companies are racing to improve employee performance and productivity, but they often overlook one crucial factor: employee health. Healthy employees are not only physically present at work, but also able to think clearly, perform optimally, and are a vital asset to the company's progress.
Why is Employee Health So Important?
Optimal health allows workers to perform their duties efficiently, contribute maximally, and help maintain the stability of the company itself. Conversely, untreated employee health issues can lead to:
- High absenteeism rate
- Decreased work performance
- Employee turnover increases
- Rising corporate healthcare costs
In other words, employee health directly impacts company performance.
Company Contribution to Employee Health
Today, companies are no longer simply obligated to provide salaries and benefits, but are also required to create a healthy workplace environment. Here are some strategic steps you can take:
- Conducting health promotions such as education on healthy lifestyles, education on good and safe working methods, balanced nutrition, and introduction to potential hazards in the workplace and their health risks.
- Provide occupation-based health checks (pre-employment, periodic, special).
- Carrying out vaccinations for workers.
- Provide an ergonomic workplace.
- Managing stress and supporting workers' mental health.
Duties and Functions of Occupational Medicine Specialists
Occupational medicine specialists act as strategic partners for companies in:
- Comprehensive program for prevention and management of occupational diseases.
- Work fitness assessment for workers.
- Evaluate and develop return to work programs.
- Assessment of disability following work accidents and occupational diseases.
- Develop a risk-based occupational health program.
- Assessment and recommendations for improving the work environment.
- Provide occupation-based worker health screenings.
- Occupational health promotion programs.
With the support of Occupational Medicine Specialists, companies can develop health policies that are not only reactive (treatment), but more preventive and promotive.
Health Investment is a Long Term Investment
Instilling a healthy work culture not only impacts individual employees but also strengthens the foundation of the company as a whole (the employee community). Some of the long-term benefits that can be gained include:
- A healthy, safe and comfortable working climate.
- The company's reputation as an ideal workplace.
- Efficiency of health and insurance costs.
- Company productivity increases.
Ensuring employee health is not merely an obligation but a tangible investment. Healthy employees perform at their best, so investing in employee health is essentially investing in the company's progress.
Article written by Dr. Fita Rahmasari, MKK, Sp.OK (Occupational Medicine Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).