In a study conducted by the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO), there was a correlation between productivity, lower absenteeism and healthy employees. Employees who ate healthy and exercised regularly had better productivity and lower absenteeism. 
Improved productivity and lower absenteeism are constant concerns for managers. When employees produce more, businesses will likely generate more revenue. Additionally, when employees show up for work, more work gets done.
One of the best ways to educate and motivate your employees to be healthier is to engage them. Health fairs are a great way to educate your employees on the benefits of being healthy.
Understanding Health Fairs
Much like a job fair, a health fair is a coordinated event in which employers invite various medical professionals to their workplaces. The goal of the event is to educate employees on potential health risks that could jeopardize their health or limit their quality of life. The following are some professionals you can consider inviting to your event.
- Medical professionals—Doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors and dieticians
- Health organizations—Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement communities
- Community organizations—Churches, schools, insurance agents and the local media
When you invite more people to your job fair, you increase the chances of your employees engaging in the fair. Additionally, with a health fair you also increase the likelihood that your employees will retain some knowledge that will help them become healthier, instead of leaving it up to them to learn on their own.
The Benefits of Employee Health Fairs
It’s not enough to passively tell your employees about the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle while they are selecting their health insurance; they hear that every day. Employers must take an active role in their employees’ lives to increase the chances of positive outcomes.
- Screenings help employees identify risks—Free screenings are one of the benefits of health fairs. Employees can easily get screenings for their blood pressure, hearing, vision, cholesterol and skin cancer. Within a few minutes, employees with potential health risks can learn what measures they can take to reduce their risks and live healthier lives.
- Health fairs educate employees about conditions and illnesses—Medical professionals have a wealth of knowledge that they are happy to share with people. Unfortunately, they have limited time to communicate this information to their patients during a visit. Your health fair gives employees face time with medical professionals who can take time and thoroughly answer questions about their health concerns.
- Health fairs help demonstrate simple methods to improve health—Fun activities and demonstrations that help your employees enjoy your health fair can help them improve their overall health. Typically, when employees are having fun, they can retain the information they’ve learned and incorporate it into their daily lives.
Having a health fair is a great way for your employees to learn how to take better care of themselves. By enlisting the aid of multiple medical professionals, you can expose your employees to a well-rounded approach to improving their health. It's also great for your group health insurance rates. Reducing risks can reduce your group health insurance costs.
How have you helped your staff understand health benefits? Contact Two Rivers Benefits Consultants here for more information on group health insurance.