In many cases, biometric screenings are still the single most important part of successful wellness and health-management programs. And successful wellness programs can cut your firm’s healthcare spending.
But if workers don’t find out exactly what health issues they need to address, how can they be expected to achieve their specific goals?
Vendor, schedule & privacy
To make sure your biometric screenings are as effective as possible, keep these best practices in mind:
1. Vendor choice is critical. Many screening vendors have similar characteristics. And often, firms will opt for something offered directly through their healthcare provider because it’s convenient.
But it isn’t alway the best choice. Before selecting a vendor, you should ask for references from screenings at firms that were similar to your own industry and company size. Some other considerations:
- Does the vendor offer a range of test methods (some vendors offer fingersticks and even saliva tests for needle-wary staff)?
- Does it offer a wide range of support services – scheduling, reporting, employee support, etc.?
2. Scheduling should be painless. It’s up to employers to schedule biometric screenings effectively and offer workers a variety of options that will be convenient for everybody.
If the screenings require staff to fast beforehand, then firms should hold the events before workers’ shifts.
When fasting is involved, experts recommend providing employees with juice and light snacks afterward.
3. Privacy is a priority. Beyond simply assuring workers their results will be kept confidential, employers should strive to make the actual screenings as private as possible.
Best bet: Conduct the blood draws in private rooms or offices while keeping the groups small.
If the group is too large and this isn’t an option, dividers and curtains can be used in large meeting rooms to create an element of privacy for staff.
