All employers want to maintain a productive, happy, and healthy workforce, with employees present and engaged at work. However, sickness can often disrupt this, leading to absences that impact both business productivity and team morale. Frequent employee sick days can quickly become a challenge, affecting the operation of your business. However, occupational health specialists, like those from Precision Health, can make a big difference.
By offering expert preventative health advice, our specialists can help your team to make healthier lifestyle choices and adopt better workplace habits, ultimately reducing the frequency of illness related absences. In this post, we’ll look into the significant role that preventative health advice from occupational health specialists plays in improving employee wellness.
What is an Occupational Health Specialist?
An occupational health specialist is a medical expert dedicated to improving workplace health and safety. Professionals, like those at Precision Health, focus on preventing illness and injury within the work environment. They provide tailored health and wellness advice to employees, often coming directly to workplaces to conduct check ups, assessments, and preventative health tests, depending on the company’s needs.
Highly experienced, qualified, and specialised in workplace health, occupational health specialists play a crucial role in building a healthy work environment by addressing potential risks and offering proactive solutions. Their goal is to ensure that your employees stay well, reducing the likelihood of absenteeism while promoting overall wellbeing.
How Can Preventative Health Advice Help Lower Absenteeism?
Preventative health advice is an invaluable tool in reducing absenteeism by helping employees stay healthier and avoid taking time off due to preventable illnesses or injuries. Occupational health specialists are there to offer tailored support and advice, addressing workplace health risks before they become larger issues. Below are three key ways preventative health advice from occupational health specialists can lower absenteeism;
Early Detection of Health Issues
One of the most effective ways to reduce absenteeism is through the early detection of potential health issues. Occupational health specialists conduct regular check ups, screenings, and assessments to identify problems before they escalate.
Whether it’s physical strain, mental health challenges, or lifestyle related issues, catching these early allows employees to take action and prevent minor health concerns from developing into serious conditions that could lead to extended sick leave. This proactive approach keeps employees healthier and more present at work.
Expert Advice from a Professional
Occupational health specialists provide expert, professional advice that employees might not otherwise have access to. With their extensive knowledge of workplace health, they can identify risks and offer solutions tailored to both the individual and the working environment.
This guidance goes beyond general health tips, as specialists understand the specific demands of different jobs and the impact those demands can have on employees' wellbeing. By receiving advice from a professional, employees are better equipped to manage their health and avoid issues that could cause them to miss work.
Quick Access to Assistance
Having occupational health specialists available ensures that employees can get the help they need as soon as they recognise a problem. Whether it’s scheduling a check up or receiving advice on dealing with a minor health issue, employees can address their concerns quickly rather than waiting for the issue to worsen.
This immediate access to assistance helps prevent small health problems from escalating into something more serious, allowing employees to stay healthy, productive, and present in the workplace.
What Key Areas of Health Can They Assist With?
Occupational health specialists can provide support across various areas of health, helping to ensure that your employees stay healthy, safe, and productive in the workplace. Below are just a few of the key areas where they can make a significant impact;
Mental Health - Occupational health specialists can offer vital support in managing mental health, helping with workplace stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. They can provide advice on stress reducing techniques, mindfulness practices, and coping strategies, helping to create a healthier work environment. By addressing mental health proactively, they help prevent burnout and reduce absences caused by work related stress.
Physical Health - They can also help to prevent and manage physical conditions that can arise from workplace activities, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI), back pain, or posture related issues. They conduct assessments to ensure employees are not at risk of injury and provide guidance on exercises or adjustments to reduce physical strain. This helps employees avoid common musculoskeletal issues that can lead to time off work.
Lifestyle and Nutrition - Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall wellbeing, and occupational health specialists are able to offer advice on nutrition, exercise, and healthy living habits. By encouraging employees to adopt better eating habits and incorporate physical activity into their routines, they promote long term health and reduce the risk of illness. This approach helps employees stay energised and focused, improving both their wellbeing and productivity.
Ergonomics - Workplace ergonomics plays a critical role in preventing injuries and improving comfort. Occupational health specialists can assess workstations and recommend adjustments to chairs, desks, and computer setups to ensure employees are working in an optimal posture. This reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries and long term health issues, contributing to a more comfortable and safe work environment.
Partner with Precision Health to Access Occupational Health Specialists
With Precision Health, your company can leverage the expertise of our health specialists through occupational health services. We deliver workplace health and wellness solutions to businesses across Ireland, using innovative programs and medical expertise to ensure your team performs at their best. We ensure that your employees have access to the health support they need, easily accesible within their workplace.
We offer a range of solutions, which are available as standalone services or as part of a comprehensive package. These include preventative health advice, health surveillance, pre employment assessments, sickness absence management; offering the support and guidance your employees need.Â
Interested to learn more? Please reach out to our team or visit our website to explore the full range of occupational health services we offer.
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