Occupational Healthcare Management Systems and Employee Productivity: How They’re Connected

March 30, 2023 • 4 minute read

One of the most remarkable benefits that businesses reap from the implementation of an Occupational Health Management System (OHMS) is a significant improvement in employee productivity. According to the CDC, companies that support workplace health have a greater percentage of employees at work every day, an aspect that cascades into the employees’ personal life, translating […]

One of the most remarkable benefits that businesses reap from the implementation of an Occupational Health Management System (OHMS) is a significant improvement in employee productivity. According to the CDC, companies that support workplace health have a greater percentage of employees at work every day, an aspect that cascades into the employees’ personal life, translating to less time spent away from work caring for sick loved ones. Additionally, ILO reports that SMEs that implement OHM systems are more successful at warding off presenteeism, a condition that sees businesses lose productivity when employees are not fully functioning in the workplace because of an illness or injury.

Over the past few years, there has been a steady decline in worker productivity across the globe. In the UK, it is reported that since the economic downturn of 2008, productivity levels have never recovered. In the first quarter of 2019 for instance, there was a 0.2% decline of productivity per hour compared to the last quarter of 2018.

Although several reasons can be attributed to this dwindling performance, one of the leading causes is the ineffective management of the health, safety and well-being of employees. It is therefore necessary for employers and EHS managers to ensure that they not only have an OHMS in place, but that it is harnessed to improve productivity.

Productivity and Workplace Health: What is the link?

In recently published results, the HSE reported that over 1.8 million workers in Great Britain suffered a workplace related illness in the 2021/2022 period. From the results, the HSE noted that over half of those illnesses were related to mental health, a number that has been on the rise post-pandemic. It was also estimated that around 37 million work days were lost in the UK in the same 2021/2022 period, translating in loses to the tune of£18.8 billion.

But the connection between occupational healthcare management systems and employee productivity goes beyond missed work days. While providing workers with access to health services, such as preventative care or ergonomic programs, leads to healthier employees who are better equipped to be productive, the major benefits that stems from OHMS aren’t always apparent. 

How does occupational health compliance impact productivity?

Studies have shown that providing occupational healthcare in the workplace yields numerous benefits on productivity including:

Increased job satisfaction leading to higher retention rates 

According to Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), organisations with strong wellness programs, which may include the implementation of workplace health management systems, experienced an average employee retention rate of 91%. This is compared to an average retention rate of 68% among organisations with weak or no wellness programs.

Fewer work-related injuries and illnesses

By implementing occupational health and management systems, employers can effectively prevent the onset of disease, stop the escalation of existing ones and help employees adopt a healthier lifestyle for longevity. This results in fewer absent days.

Improved worker morale and engagement 

According to a survey conducted in 2016, a survey found out that 1 in 3 employees felt that their employer prioritised output over their well being, resulting in reduced morale. Reduced morale can have a negative impact on productivity in several ways. For instance, employees who are disengaged are more likely to report late to work, cause delays in workflows and are less creative.

Increased employee productivity due to less stress and greater job security

The increased rate of mental health illnesses in the workplace has a significant impact on productivity, rivalling infectious and terminal illnesses and musculoskeletal injuries in the number of claims made per year. The HSE report  showed that there were an estimated 914,000 cases of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2021/22. Additionally, mental health-related issues are reported to be the leading cause of presenteeism

How to Implement Occupational Health Management Systems to Boost Productivity

By providing employees with access to timely medical care and health advice, managers can help them stay more productive on the job. 

Here’s how you can implement your OMH System to improve workplace productivity:

  • Provide timely medical care

When employees are taken ill at work, quick access to a trusted medical provider is essential. OHMS provides businesses with a network of trusted medical providers who understand their occupational health needs and can provide timely responses. This ensures that employees have access to appropriate medical care when they need it most, reducing time spent off the job due to illness or injury.

  • Offer education and advice

OHM systems offer education and advice for employers, helping them create and maintain a culture of health in the workplace. This includes health screenings for potential candidates and onboarding support for new staff members. By offering regular health checks, education sessions, and stress management exercises, organisations can help their personnel stay healthy—both physically and mentally—for maximum productivity.

To ensure that employees are able to get the full benefit of their healthcare plans, employers must make sure that their occupational healthcare management systems are up-to-date and functioning properly. These systems include measures such as:

  • Regular medical checkups
  • Workplace policies that promote healthy habits
  • Access to mental health services
  • Employee wellness programs

As the link between productivity and workplace health management becomes more apparent, it is evident that organisations that prioritise employee health and wellbeing can reap significant benefits.  By keeping up with the trends emerging in OHMS and utilising the latest technologies and techniques in occupational healthcare management, companies can ensure that their employees are healthy, happy, and stay productive for longer.


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