Many companies are continuously seeking innovative ways to enhance benefit offerings, improve employee health, and reduce health plan costs. One of the standout solutions that has been a mainstay for forward-thinking employers are employee biometric screenings. According to the 2023 Employer Health and Benefits Survey, 42% of large companies offering health benefits include biometric screenings in their wellness programs (KFF, 2023). But what exactly are these screenings, and why should your business consider them?

What is a Biometric Screening?

A biometric screening measures physical characteristics such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose. These screenings can be conducted at the workplace and are used to evaluate employee health over time (CDC, 2018). Typically, a nurse or phlebotomist performs the screening, which should include a fasting intravenous blood draw for accurate results. This bloodwork, combined with a health questionnaire, provides a thorough health assessment.

Why Should Your Company Invest in Biometric Screenings?

Biometric screenings are a smart investment for companies wanting to trim health plan costs and promote better employee health. The estimated cost of chronic disease is expected to reach $47 trillion worldwide by 2030 (Hacker, 2024). Chronic conditions, which account for a significant portion of healthcare costs, are often preventable through early detection and lifestyle changes. Regular screenings can identify risk factors for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, guiding employees toward healthier behaviors and timely medical interventions.

Benefits for Employees

Biometric screenings provide valuable insights into current and potential health issues, helping to prevent chronic diseases. According to the CDC, 70% of medical decisions depend on laboratory test results (CDC, 2018). Biometric health screenings serve as the starting point for health improvement by identifying health risks that may have been otherwise unknown to employees. Armed with this knowledge, employees can take charge of their health and make informed decisions about their well-being.

Benefits for Employers

For employers, biometric screenings can significantly reduce health plan costs by identifying at-risk employees who need medical attention. These assessments provide an accurate baseline analysis of employees’ health status, enabling the design of effective health and wellness strategies. Although individual results remain confidential, third-party providers covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) can use the data to engage employees in necessary health programs, enhancing overall workforce health. Imagine your employees getting the right care at the right time. That’s the power of annual biometric screenings.

Encouraging Employee Participation

To maximize the benefits of biometric screenings, employee participation is crucial. Incentives are an effective strategy to encourage participation without making it mandatory. Among large companies with a biometric screening program, 67% use incentives to encourage workers to complete the assessment (KFF, 2023). Employers can offer incentives such as cash, prizes, paid time off, or health plan discounts to achieve a more comprehensive health risk assessment of their workforce.

Post-Screening Engagement

Merely conducting biometric screenings is not enough; companies must also engage employees with their results. Effective engagement requires hiring vendors that specialize in post-screening follow-up and employee engagement. These experts can help identify at-risk employees and engage them through various communication channels, ensuring higher levels of participation in health improvement programs.

Biometric health screenings are a valuable tool for companies looking to improve workforce health and reduce health plan costs. They provide vital insights into employee health, enabling targeted wellness strategies and early intervention for chronic diseases. With the right approach, including incentives and effective engagement, biometric screenings can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce.

References

CDC. (2018, November 15). Strengthening Clinical Laboratories. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dls/strengthening-clinical-labs.html

Hacker, K. (2024, January 20). The Burden of Chronic Disease. National Library of Medicine. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10830426

KFF. (2023, October 18). 2023 Employer Health Benefits Survey. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/report-section/ehbs-2023