Leading the way in workplace wellness with the new occupational health framework
In today’s international business environment, employee wellbeing remains a priority for companies across the globe. Based upon recent government reporting into the importance of standardised, organised occupational health services, the British government plans to establish a voluntary minimum framework for occupational health (OH) provision, outlining the recommended level of OH services that employers should adopt to maintain the health of workers. This framework represents a significant step forward in standardising health services in the workplace, ensuring the well-being of individuals and organisations alike, and as a leading provider of OH services and specialist medicals, we welcome any proactive developments that prioritise employee health and well-being.
The new occupational health framework
As organisations strive to maintain an industry-leading reputation and commercial advantage, it is increasingly clear that the health and safety of their workforce play a critical role in achieving sustained success. The new framework announced by the government late last year also recognises the crucial role of standardised workplace safety efforts, and reflects the ongoing focus upon creating healthier and safer workplaces across industries.
The core aims of the framework include:
- Establishing expert group: The voluntary framework will be developed by an expert group, composed of public health, workplace health, and business experts.
- Complementary initiatives: The framework aims to complement existing initiatives supporting people with disabilities or long-term conditions, such as the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident scheme.
- Development of standards: The government plans to explore the development of workplace health and disability standards for employers to support and retain employees with health conditions.
- Government-funded support: There is consideration for coupling the framework with a government-funded support offer to incentivise uptake by employers.
- Digital marketplace and fit note reform: Other plans include the establishment of a digital marketplace for quicker access to specialised employment and health support, and further exploration of fit note reform.
- Boosting capacity and workforce planning: The government is considering long-term opportunities for a multidisciplinary work and health workforce, aligning with NHS long-term workforce planning.
So far, response to the proposals has been generally positive, and these proposed initiatives are set to revolutionise workplace wellness by prioritising employee health and well-being.
Standardised services
With this framework proactively addressing the need for standardised OH services, we take pride in offering services that not only meet but exceed the expectations set by this new program.
At Heathrow Medical, we aim to empower businesses with the services they need to foster a healthy and productive work environment and create a positive impact on employee performance. We understand the vital link between integrated workplace health initiatives and their positive impact on employee health and productivity, and so from comprehensive medical assessments to health surveillance programs, we champion workplace wellness across a wide range of services. Implementing standardisation across these services ensures that all employees receive the same level of care and access to the required medical assessments, creating a fair baseline for health standards, and allowing for additional services to be offered depending upon the unique needs of each individual.
By opting for our standardised OH services, employers create a healthier work environment that not only reduces staff illness and promotes employee wellbeing, but also contributes to the overall compliance of any business. Our services are designed and delivered to help HR teams in upholding compliance with the relevant employment legislation and HSE regulations in their industry, and as such we are already leading the way in best practices with our standardised health services and HSE-approved medicals.
Commitment to health, safety, and well-being
Our organisations’ unwavering commitment to employee health, safety, and wellbeing sets us apart as a leading provider of occupational services and aligns perfectly with the government’s objectives outlined in the new framework. We understand that overall wellness encompasses much more than simply annual medical assessments: and this understanding forms the basis of our ‘recruitment to retirement policy’, which includes pre-employment medicals, health surveillance programs, return to work services and mental health support.
Our team of experienced professionals work closely with employers to tailor these services to their needs and to ensure that their employees are supported at all times, whether they are working on projects, tackling physically demanding roles, or off-work with long term health issues. The new government proposals have identified the need to establish standardised guidelines regarding these concerns, particularly return to work policies, as these are generally created and implemented by individual employers or HR managers. So, by prioritising the physical and mental health of employees through standardised frameworks, companies not only demonstrate their social responsibility but also stand to benefit from increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved employee morale, creating a positive work environment that fosters well-being and productivity.
Flexibility and Convenience
As the new voluntary minimum framework is discussed and researched at a governmental level, at Heathrow Medical we remain responsive to unexpected shifts in industry practices and regulations – particularly in the complex and legislative world of aviation health.
Our teams are continuously updating our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients’ industries, and this adaptability to changing regulations is another area in which we excel. It ensures that businesses receive relevant and up-to-date support, giving both our team of healthcare professionals and the businesses we provide services for a head-start on any best practices that will come into play when the framework is rolled out.
Alongside this adaptability and flexibility, we also remain responsive to the evolving needs of our clients. We understand that every organisation is unique, and that the needs and preferences of every individual are unique, which is why we work with each organisation on an individual basis to develop tailored services. Whether a business requires regular health screenings and assessments, a health and wellness program, or is looking for a reliable health service provider to offer regular vaccinations and immunisations, we are on-hand to adapt our services and prioritise the wellbeing of the entire organisation.
Our premises are strategically located adjacent to Heathrow Airport, and with our own car-parking facilities and a link to the Terminal 5 shuttle bus, accessing our services is quick and easy. We aim to provide a seamless service, and in order to deliver the best outcomes for our clients, we take the time to get to know their businesses inside and out. Unlike many corporate providers, we prioritise strong partnerships with HR managers and employers to optimise our services and offer ‘open’ telephone access from our healthcare professionals for an accessible and supportive working relationship.
Discuss your ongoing requirements with our team
The new government framework is a significant development that underscores the importance of standardised OH services in the workplace, and as we move forward, it is reassuring to see both public and private sectors working together to prioritise the health and well-being of the workforce.
At Heathrow Medical, we are committed to supporting employers in their journey towards creating a healthier and more productive workforce, so contact us today to learn more about how we can support your organisation with occupational health services.