Why Organising Wellbeing Clinics Matter
In the ever-evolving workplace, businesses are starting to understand that the health of their workforce isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic advantage. At Compass Skills Training, we believe that taking proactive steps towards supporting employee health and wellbeing is not just good practice—it’s essential. An impactful way businesses can do this is by hosting Wellbeing Clinics that all employees can access, not just the ones in safety critical roles.
Let’s unpack why wellbeing clinics are more than just a “nice to have” and how they can benefit your organisation from a practical standpoint.
Why Wellbeing Clinics Matter
A Wellbeing Clinic gives employees the opportunity to speak confidentially with health professionals about physical and mental health concerns. These consultations often include:
- Blood pressure checks
- BMI measurements
- Stress and mental health assessments
- Lifestyle advice on diet, exercise, and sleep
- Signposting to appropriate services
It’s a quick, effective check-in that can highlight early signs of health issues—before they escalate into costly absences or long-term illnesses.
Why organise wellbeing medicals for all employees, not just those in safety critical roles?
- The most common workplace health problems are mental health issues and musculoskeletal-related conditions. Both types of issues can be found throughout the entire workforce.
- By helping to maintain and improve the mental and physical health of your entire workforce, you will save your business money in the long-run. According to a report published by SOM, a £1 investment into occupational health leads to a £1.93 saving in absenteeism costs.
- All employees will benefit from knowing their current health status as well as finding out ways to improve their health. Giving all employees access to this type of benefit can also help to retain and attract talent.
Cost Comparison: Perspective is Everything
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that in 2022/23, approximately 35.2 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and injury. In 2023/24, 46% of all new and long-standing cases of work-related ill health were attributed to stress, depression, or anxiety.
Putting on a wellbeing clinic is not as costly as you may think, especially when put into perspective.
- Half-Day Wellbeing Clinic: £595
- Full-Day Wellbeing Clinic: £795
If the average cost to an employer for one absent worker per week is £500+, depending on the sector, a long-term sickness absence (over 4 weeks) has a significant impact not only financially but also in terms of team morale and productivity.
So, if even one employee avoids a two-week sickness absence through early intervention at a wellbeing clinic, the service has already paid for itself.
These numbers make it clear: investing in employee wellbeing is not expensive—it’s smart. A full-day clinic can screen dozens of employees, identifying potential problems early and providing valuable peace of mind.
The Moral Responsibility
Beyond the numbers, there is a moral and ethical responsibility for employers to care for the wellbeing of their teams. Hosting a wellbeing clinic sends a clear message:
“We value you. Your health matters—not just when you’re unwell, but always.”
Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to be engaged, loyal, and productive. By creating a workplace culture where wellbeing is prioritised, employers build trust and psychological safety—key components of a high-performing team.
Prevention is Better Than Reaction
Too often, businesses react after a crisis—when an employee is already off sick, when morale is low, or when stress becomes burnout.
But with a proactive approach like a wellbeing clinic, businesses can:
- Detect signs of stress or ill-health early
- Reduce absenteeism and presenteeism
- Improve morale and retention
- Fulfil their duty of care under HSE guidance
The ripple effects of a simple check-in can be profound. Early intervention is the cornerstone of sustainable health management.
Wellbeing Clinics are not a cost—they’re an investment. An investment in health, morale, retention, and performance. At Compass, we encourage employers to take the lead in fostering a healthier workforce.
For less than the cost of a missed day of work, you could potentially prevent months of illness, disengagement, and team disruption.
