In an age of developing automation and artificial intelligence people are still very much an essential part of businesses and their attendance, performance and resilience is very much dependent on their mental and physical health.
For businesses to compete effectively requires a workforce which can meet its evolving needs. A healthy workforce is therefore not optional, it’s essential. Britain has the worst healthy life expectancy in Western Europe and it is no wonder that there is a direct knock-on on effect to the health of our workforces. This inevitably means that acute and chronic, mental and physical conditions are adversely affecting the resilience and productivity of the nation’s workforce.
As businesses must evolve to compete effectively, so must their workforce to be similarly fit for purpose; at the same time, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 set out clear responsibilities that an employer has to an employee. Whichever way you look at it, there is the need for a healthy workforce.
Most people running businesses aren’t doctors, but nevertheless they not just need, but rely on, medical advice to ensure that their employees are fit and able to work and that their health is compatible with their role and expected workload. Managing the health of the workforce can be very challenging at times and, just as you would rely on an accountant or professional adviser for some aspects, having a trusted Occupational Health provider to manage the health of your workforce is just as essential.
The pay-as-you-go Management Referral service from D4Health is a perfect, cost-effective and timely solution to deal with any health issues which may be affecting performance, attendance or productivity in your workforce. Our panel of expert doctors produce bespoke reports which identify what mental and physical health factors are present and relevant to the roles and responsibilities within your company.
You will need to make management and HR decisions about your workforce. However, you cannot do so safely or effectively without understanding what the health issues and consequences are. The Equality Act 2010 mandates employers to identify, manage and, at times, make reasonable adjustments for employees with health conditions. A management referral will provide you with independent and objective expert medical advice so that you can make practical and sound, justifiable decisions.
With a change in Government and a likely increase in employee rights, an independent and robust health report arising from a management referral will demonstrate that you are a responsible employer, relying on independent medical advice when making important decisions about your workers and workforce. D4Health specialises in these reports and is here to help you and your business.