Keep experienced workers healthier and happier with health services

Experienced workers — those who are age 40 or older — can be a critical component of a company’s overall team, passing along the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired over the years to the next generation of employees. But retaining these older workers in a time when they’re needed most, may prove to be difficult for a couple of reasons. Firstly, a large number of older workers may have unaddressed health issues which could result in departure before skills can be passed on. Second, many feel underappreciated on the job. Both cases create serious problems for employers who are already dealing with recruiting and retention challenges.

How widespread are these issues among older workers? Diabetes and obesity, which typically lead to further health issues including critical illness are at dangerously high rates. As an example, according to the CDC, the highest rates by age group of obesity in the U.S. are among 40-59 year olds. As for older workers that feel underappreciated, according to a Robert Half survey conducted in the U.K., the older the age range of survey participants, the more unappreciated workers said they felt, with just 15% of workers age 18-34 reporting they feel undervalued, compared to 25% of employees age 35-54 and 28% of those age 55 and up. Another survey found that nearly 1 in 5 employees who are in their 50s and 60s say their younger colleagues are treated more favorably.

There are tens of millions of workers in their 40s, 50s and older, representing an enormously valuable labor pool. But many employers are struggling to offer benefits that appeal to these workers. An onsite health services program can be the answer, helping companies keep hard-to-replace employees healthier, happier and more productive.

How health services can help with recruiting and retention

A health services program is distinct from health insurance benefits, providing access to care at work, either onsite, via a mobile clinic or through telemedicine. Programs that are designed to meet specific workforce needs — for example, services to keep workers with physically demanding jobs healthier — can be a game-changer, especially for workers who might otherwise defer care due to high health insurance deductibles or the difficulty of scheduling time off to seek care during the workweek.

The labor market is tight across all sectors. But, recruiters are having an especially difficult time recruiting and retaining employees who bore the brunt of the public health crisis, including workers with customer-facing jobs and those who work in industries that faced supply chain issues and material shortages. These sectors disproportionately rely on experienced older workers.

Companies that are looking for an edge in the war for talent can offer health services tailored especially for the health challenges their workers face most frequently. A health services program offered as a workplace perk will be particularly attractive to the categories of employees who struggle to access their health insurance benefits.

Health services deliver for employees and employers

Onsite access to health services delivers a message that older workers need to hear right now, which is that their employer values them and is looking out for their interests. This message can resonate across demographic groups, but experienced employees who play such a critical role in organizational success need that reassurance the most, according to survey data, which also shows that older workers are concerned about age discrimination on the job.

Employees who feel valued and have the resources they need to stay healthier will be more productive and more likely to stay on board, helping employers avoid the cost of recruiting and training an experienced worker. Health services programs can also address chronic health issues like diabetes that affect older workers the most and cost employers billions in lost productivity each year through absenteeism and lower productivity.

Supporting employee health at work can help companies lower the direct and indirect costs that take a bite out of the bottom line. Onsite health services can also underscore the benefits of preventive health care for employees of all ages and increase treatment adherence, inspiring workers to make lifestyle changes and continue treatment to prevent a manageable condition from developing into a more serious issue.

Related: Expand employee wellness programs to cover your entire workforce

Employees over 40 typically bring a wealth of experience to the table and are valuable role models for new employees. As the pandemic demonstrated, employee health and wellbeing is critical at all ages, and having the right talent in place can make all the difference. That’s why now is a great time to show experienced workers that the jobsite isn’t just the place that issues a paycheck; it can also provide the services they need to stay happier and healthier.

Andrew Morton is the CEO of Bloom Health Partners.