Preventative care can involve measures taken to prevent diseases or detect them early when they are more treatable. This approach could include regular health screenings, vaccinations, lifestyle modifications, and personalised health plans. Advancements in genomics and personalised medicine have revolutionised preventative care, allowing for more targeted and effective interventions. By focusing on disease prevention and early intervention, businesses can help to ensure their employees remain healthy, motivated, and productive.
What is impacting the UKs workforce?
- Rise in obesity: more than 25% of adults in England are obese. There is a higher risk of long-term illness with 21 major diseases imparting more risk on individuals with obesity.
- Multiple conditions: Obese individuals often develop multiple conditions simultaneously, which significantly raises the risk of early retirement due to poor health.
- Young adult mental health: NHS digital data indicates that 22% of young adults aged 17 to 24 have a probable mental health condition, affecting young members of a workforce or parents directly impacted by their young adults within the workforce.
- Long-term sickness: According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the number of people out of work due to long-term health issues has risen to 2.5 million, marking a 25% increase since the start of the pandemic.
The role of genomics in disease prevention
Genomics, the study of an individual's genes and their interactions with the environment, has opened new avenues in disease prevention since 2003, when the first mapping of the human genome started.
By understanding genetic makeup, healthcare providers can offer personalised advice and interventions. For instance, screening for cancer-causing genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can lead to preventative surgeries, which can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer by 90 to 95%. This personalised approach can not only improve health outcomes for individuals but also opens a widespread understanding of preventative care and the role that a business can play in fostering a healthy workplace.
Robin Clark, medical director of Bupa UK, said: “Genomics opened a door to a new generation of targeted therapies, particularly in the treatment of cancer. It has been life-changing for a growing number of children born with what would have been life-limiting genetic diseases.
“But we are only beginning to unlock the power of genomics to predict, prevent and diagnose disease.”
Clark added: “Knowledge is power, and people are more likely to be proactive about protecting their health if they know that the health advice they are given is based on their personalised risk profile, and not generalised guidance based on what’s best for the population as a whole.”
To find out more about genomics and the current pilot that Bupa are leading on, please follow this link: Bupa becomes first UK private healthcare provider to pilot whole genome sequencing for selected UK customers | Bupa Group
Benefits of preventative care for businesses
- Reduced absenteeism: Regular health check ups and early detection of diseases can help to prevent serious health issues that could lead to long-term absenteeism. Healthy employees can be less likely to take sick leave, ensuring consistent productivity.
- Enhanced productivity: Employees who are in good health can be more energetic and focused. Preventative care can help in managing chronic conditions, reducing fatigue, and improving overall wellbeing, which could translate to better performance at work.
- Improved morale: A company that prioritises the health of its employees can help to foster a positive work environment. Employees who feel valued and supported, could experience higher job satisfaction and loyalty.
Implementing preventative care in the workplace
Businesses can take steps to integrate preventative care into their workplace health strategies:
- Health screenings and assessments: Regular health screenings can help to identify risk factors and early signs of diseases. Offering these services through health insurance plans can make them more accessible to employees.
- Wellness initiatives: Implementing time for wellness activities that promote healthy lifestyles, such as team fitness challenges, lunchtime walks, nutrition workshops, and stress management sessions, can help to encourage employees to take proactive steps towards their health.
- Mental health support: Mental health is a critical component of overall wellbeing. Providing access to mental health resources, such as counselling services and encouraging managers to have open and honest conversations with their teams, can help employees maintain their mental health and productivity.
- Personalised health plans: Leveraging advancements in genomics, businesses can offer personalised health plans tailored to the genetic profiles of their employees. This can include specific recommendations for diet, exercise, and preventive measures based on individual risk factors.
Preventative care can be a vital investment for businesses aiming to maintain a healthy and productive workforce. By focusing on early detection and personalised health interventions, companies could help to reduce absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and enhance employee happiness. As insights highlight, the integration of genomics and personalised medicine into preventative care strategies offers a promising path towards achieving these goals. By prioritising the health of their employees, businesses can create a thriving work environment that benefits everyone involved.
