Quick version
Hidden risk factors among professionals
In many companies, the perception still exists that low sick leave equates to good health. An employee can appear healthy yet carry hidden medical conditions—until they face the consequences. For the employer, this means a hidden risk of reduced performance and unexpected peaks in absenteeism.
The danger of 'feeling it out'
The body has a strong ability to adapt. Many of working age gradually get used to constant fatigue, concentration difficulties, or slight dizziness, dismissing them as 'part of life's puzzle.' The problem is that medical markers rarely give clear symptoms in the early stages. Relying on the employee to signal ill health is therefore a risky strategy.
Five hidden threats to work capacity
Here are the most common conditions that often fly under the radar in a stressful workday:
- Prediabetes in the workplace: A condition where blood sugar is too high but hasn't yet reached the threshold for type 2 diabetes. It rarely shows symptoms but damages vessels and often leads to energy dips after lunch.
- High blood lipids: Elevated cholesterol cannot be felt. It doesn't ache or itch, but it is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, one of the most common causes of long-term sick leave.
- Iron and Vitamin D deficiency: Particularly common during the Nordic winter months. Iron deficiency can lead to cognitive fatigue and impaired memory, directly affecting productivity.
- Thyroid disorders: An underactive thyroid often creeps up. Symptoms are frequently mistaken for burnout or depression, leading to incorrect rehabilitation efforts.
From reactive to preventive health
Investing in a health check through the company is not just an employee benefit; it is a strategic investment in the stability of the business. By analyzing markers in the blood, you get an objective receipt of the staff's health status.
When we detect hidden health risks in time, we can reverse the trend through simple lifestyle adjustments or medical follow-ups. This creates a safer work environment and reduces the risk of losing expertise in unnecessary sick leave processes.
