Quick version
Occupational Health Services or Health Checks – What's the Difference?
As an employer, you have a statutory responsibility for your employees' work environment. When searching for solutions to reduce sick leave, two terms often appear: occupational health services and health checks. These complement each other and serve completely different functions within a company.
What are Occupational Health Services?
Occupational health services are expert supports that assist you as an employer in systematic work environment management (SAM). They promote a sustainable environment where employees can thrive and perform. The focus is on the link between work and health, contributing to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
Common interventions include:
- Rehabilitation: Support for returning to work after illness or injury.
- Workplace Adaptation: Adjusting physical and psychosocial environments to prevent injuries and stress.
- Statutory Medical Examinations: Mandatory checks for specific roles (e.g., night work or hazardous exposure).
What are Health Checks for Companies?
Health checks are fundamentally individual-focused, aiming for early detection of health issues, preventing lifestyle diseases, and identifying stress symptoms before they lead to sick leave.
A typical health check includes blood tests for markers like blood sugar and cholesterol, alongside a health declaration covering general well-being and stress levels.
How to Work with Both
Optimal health management occurs when these two services interact. Occupational health builds the structure, while health checks provide the data to know where interventions are most needed.
