Polish companies offering private healthcare are still facing rising sick leave and financial losses due to a lack of preventative care for employees.
The “Medical Package” Paradox
Private healthcare is now a standard employee benefit in Poland, yet Poles tend to seek medical attention only when experiencing symptoms. This results in companies burdened with sick leave costs, despite a readily available solution.
A new report, “Health Gaps in the Prevention of Polish Employees,” reveals the stark reality of employee health in Polish offices.
Medical Packages Are Insufficient for Employees
Despite the prevalence of private healthcare, it often functions as a mere “dummy” for preventative care. Poles utilize it for intervention – when they have a fever or pain – rather than for prevention.
Employers frequently believe that providing a medical package fulfills their responsibility to employee wellbeing, a costly mistake.
Limited Access to Workplace Preventative Care
The LongLife report indicates that only 20% of employees have access to preventative health screenings directly at their workplace. However, demand is high, with 64% expressing willingness to participate if offered on-site.
Sick Leave Cripples Polish Businesses
Data from the LongLife report is alarming, highlighting the significant impact of sick leave on Polish businesses.
The High Cost of Absenteeism
A lack of preventative care isn’t just a health issue; it’s a significant financial burden for employers, exceeding the cost of implementing workplace health initiatives.
Employee absences create costs related to finding replacements – temporary staff or redistributing tasks – and decreased productivity, especially for specialized roles. The return to full efficiency after a long absence is also costly.
Paulina Werczyńska of LongLife explains that uncertainty surrounding an employee’s return further complicates planning, delays projects, and increases organizational stress.
Workplace Health Checks: A Benefit of the Future?
The biggest barrier to prioritizing health is a lack of time. Poles rarely undergo comprehensive health checks, typically limiting themselves to basic tests like blood counts and blood pressure measurements.
Bringing diagnostics into the workplace – such as on-site vision tests, blood work, or ultrasounds – dramatically increases participation rates.
Benefits of Prioritizing Real Prevention
Experts recommend long-term strategies instead of one-off initiatives. Workplace prevention is now not only an added benefit but a sound management strategy that pays off for companies and reduces employment costs.