Medibank says it has provided more than 17,000 workers across the country with kiosk-style health screening that tests blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), weight and body fat percentage.
According to the company, the tests showed 65 per cent of workers had blood pressure levels that were considered high or pre-high.
More than 40 per cent of workers had a BMI classed as overweight or obese and 54 per cent had high or very high levels of body fat.
“The health and safety challenges businesses face today are different to those from 10 years ago. Previously it was slips, trips and falls, now companies are dealing with mental health and obesity issues,” said Medibank chief customer officer David Koczkar.
“When you consider the amount of time we spend at work, the workplace plays a significant part in our overall health. People don’t leave their health issues behind when they go to work.”
A recent YouGov Galaxy Poll conducted in partnership with Medibank found 59 per cent of workers claim to be suffering some form of mental health issue or condition while 52 per cent have either taken or considered taking leave due to stress.
Medibank said it is partnering with 125 companies across Australia on the delivery of a range of programs to improve the health and wellbeing of their workforces.
“Healthier employees are happier and more productive, so it makes good business sense to invest in employee wellbeing. A focus on employee health and wellbeing can also help in attracting and retaining top talent,” said Mr Koczkar.
Medibank provides Executive Health Checks, access to health kiosks, mental health programs and preventative health screenings in the workplace.
“Australians have been trusting us with their health for 40 years – and now we are doing more to help corporate Australia make a difference to their employees’ health and wellbeing,” added Mr Koczkar.
Deloitte chief human resources officer Sam Sheppard said Deloitte is working with Medibank to get its 10,000 employees moving.
“We run a step-up challenge which forms an integral part of our approach to wellbeing, which includes physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing. “It creates the foundation for our safe and inclusive culture at Deloitte, empowering our people to be their best,” said Ms Sheppard.