As a GP, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reviewed someone’s symptoms, only to find they’ve progressed to a more serious issue because it was ignored for too long. It’s moments like these that really highlight the importance of early intervention—something that isn’t always on the radar for many people until it’s too late.
What’s even more surprising is that, due to the ageing workforce in the UK, many of these people are still working, with stress and poor lifestyle choices potentially contributing further to the problem.
In the UK, we’re blessed to have access to the NHS. But as we’re used to this being our sole healthcare provider, that makes the thought of paying for a health check or blood test feels foreign. And when a letter does come through the door for a test or consultation, the symptoms may be far worse than they need to be (or in the worst case, too advanced to address). A simple cholesterol check, for instance, can identify underlying risks for heart disease, but too often it’s a last-minute check when it could have been caught months or even years earlier.
As workforces age, businesses are increasingly in the position to fill this gap, offering access to proactive health support that many employees might otherwise ignore or delay.
In the UK, our ageing population is almost equal to the number of children, which means workplaces are experiencing a shift, with more employees in their 50s, 60s and eventually beyond. With this shift comes a need for more focused attention on the health of this demographic, and employers can’t afford to sit back and wait for the NHS to handle it all.
Many workplaces aren’t offering free or comprehensive health screenings as part of their wellbeing packages, but this is rapidly becoming a key area of focus. As a doctor, I really welcome it when people take a proactive approach to their health. Ultimately, it means we can catch more serious health concerns earlier, easing pressure on healthcare systems, and more importantly, preventing them from escalating for the patient.
While I fully support the growing awareness around issues like menopause, however, I do believe that there’s a risk that businesses may start to see these problems in isolation, or even rank them against each other in terms of importance.
Celebrities like Davina McCall have done wonders in raising awareness of menopause, but there are many other health conditions, including cancers, which are common to specific genders or age groups that need to be taken into consideration.
Heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions, such as high cholesterol, often go under the radar. Many of us don’t realise that high cholesterol is a silent risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which can lead to long-term sickness, absenteeism, and ultimately, increased healthcare costs for businesses. But with proactive screening and small lifestyle adjustments, these risks can be managed effectively.
In my view, the goal for the decision makers here – whether that’s the HR team or someone else – should be to create a broader, holistic strategy that addresses the full spectrum of health concerns.
Employers have the power to influence employee health in a positive way, and this isn’t just a feel-good exercise. Supporting employee health isn’t just about ticking a CSR box—it’s a smart business move. Healthier employees are more engaged, productive, and less likely to take sick leave due to preventable conditions. Prioritising preventive health measures, such as cholesterol testing, can help businesses reduce absenteeism, improve workplace productivity, and even lower healthcare costs in the long run.
Take it from a doctor: don’t wait for a crisis to happen. Employee healthcare should be at the forefront of your strategy—especially now, as the workforce becomes more diverse and age-aware. Companies are in a prime position to support their employees’ health proactively, empowering them to seek help earlier. And in doing so, they can cultivate a healthier, more engaged workforce, which will benefit both employees and employers alike.
