Ever wonder how healthy you really are?
That’s where biometric screenings come in!
These quick health check-ups measure things like blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels to give you a snapshot of your overall health. They can even catch early warning signs of potential health issues.
Biometric screenings are a popular benefit in workplace wellness programs — and for good reason! They’re a fantastic way to help employees keep tabs on their health. In fact, 42% of large firms offered employees the opportunity to complete a biometric health screening in 2023.
While this is pretty consistent with recent trends, it's still below the 52% of large companies offering screenings before the pandemic. We want to see even more businesses—both large and small — offering these screenings. Why? Because they’re so valuable for employee health and well-being.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about biometric screenings—what they are, why they’re important, and how they work. Let’s dive in!
As a workplace wellness leader, you’re always looking for ways to support your team’s health and well-being. One great option is offering biometric screenings. These quick health check-ups do more than provide numbers — they give employees the valuable insight they need to take control of their health. Here’s why biometric health screenings are a win-win for both employees and employers:
Improved Employee Health
Biometric screenings help employees learn about their health. By knowing and understanding what their biometric data means, like blood pressure or cholesterol, they can take steps to improve their well-being. This knowledge encourages healthier habits and can even prevent serious health problems.
Reduced Healthcare Costs
When employees know about potential health risks early, they can work with their doctors to stay healthy. This can lead to fewer health issues down the road, which saves money for both the employee and the employer.
Increased Productivity
Healthier employees are happier and more productive. They take fewer sick days and are able to focus better at work.
Boosted Workplace Morale
When companies show they care about employee health, it makes employees feel valued. This boosts morale and creates a positive, healthy workplace culture.
Biometric screenings check several key health markers that give employees a snapshot of how they’re doing. It’s kind of like getting a health report card! Here’s a breakdown of what these screenings measure and why each one is important:
Height and Weight
These basic measurements are used to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI gives you a good idea of whether you’re underweight, at a healthy weight, or overweight.
Blood Pressure
Knowing your blood pressure is key to preventing heart issues. High blood pressure is a health risk that can lead to serious problems down the road, so catching it early means you can make adjustments to stay on track.
Cholesterol Levels
Screenings measure both the “good” cholesterol (HDL) and the “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Keeping these in check is essential for reducing the risk of heart disease.
Blood Glucose Levels
High blood sugar can signal a risk for diabetes. Screenings help identify any early signs so that you can manage them before they turn into bigger health concerns.
Other Potential Measurements
Depending on the program, some screenings might also include waist circumference, aerobic fitness, or other essential health markers.
Here’s a quick overview of what happens during a biometric screening, so you can feel confident when explaining it to your team.
Step 1: Scheduling a Screening
Setting up a screening is hassle-free. You can organize on-site screenings at the workplace, or employees can visit a healthcare provider. Scheduling is quick and convenient, which makes it easier for employees to participate.
Step 2: The Screening Setup
When employees arrive, the healthcare team will have everything ready. They’ll guide each participant through the process and start with basic checks like height and weight. It’s an efficient process that minimizes time away from work.
Step 3: Conducting the Tests
During the screening, healthcare staff will take a few important measurements, including BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. This provides employees with a full picture of their current health and highlights any early warning signs.
Step 4: Immediate Feedback
Employees typically receive feedback on their results right after the tests. Healthcare professionals may offer suggestions for healthier living or recommend follow-up visits with a doctor. This immediate insight can be a powerful motivator for change.
Step 5: Post-Screening
After the screening, employees can use the results to make healthier choices. As an HR manager, you can use anonymous, aggregated data to identify common health risks within your workforce and create targeted wellness programs that address those needs. This proactive approach can lead to a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Wondering where your employees can get their biometric screenings done? No worries — we’ve got options! Whether your team prefers the convenience of the workplace, the flexibility of a clinic, or even doing it from the comfort of their own home, there’s a solution for everyone.
On-Site
Picture this: healthcare professionals coming right to your office, making it super easy for employees to participate without even leaving work. On-site screenings are a popular choice for convenience.
Primary Care Provider
For employees who feel more comfortable having their screening done by their primary healthcare provider or physician, we offer a Physician Results Form. They can bring this form to their annual physical appointment, and the data collected will be integrated into our aggregate reports. Easy and personalized!
Off-Site or Clinic
Some employees might prefer to pop over to a nearby clinic for their screening. For example, TotalWellness partners with LabCorp and CVS Minute Clinics. This option offers flexibility, allowing them to fit it into their schedule when it works best for them.
At-Home Kits
For those who like doing things on their own time, at-home kits can be a flexible and easy way to complete their biometric screening. While not as common, this option is perfect for remote employees.
No matter which option your team chooses, TotalWellness has you covered! We offer all four options, making it easy to support employee wellness, no matter where they are.
Offering biometric screenings is a great way to improve employee health, reduce healthcare costs, and boost morale. Want to get started? TotalWellness can help you implement screenings that are simple, convenient, and effective. Take the next step today!