Workplace Health Checks
What Your Employees Actually Want
When it comes to workplace health checks, employers often focus on compliance, cost, and logistics. But from an employee’s perspective, what matters most is whether these checks feel simple, supportive, and worth their time. A program that ticks a compliance box but fails to engage staff will not deliver the results you’re aiming for: improved wellbeing, higher participation, and long-term health outcomes.At Skin Patrol, we’ve seen first-hand what makes employees turn up and what makes them tune out. So what do your people actually want from workplace health checks?
1. Convenience That Fits into the Workday
The number one factor driving participation is convenience. Workers are time-poor and health checks can easily fall to the bottom of their list. If the process requires travel, long wait times, or complicated booking systems, many will not bother.
That’s why onsite delivery is so effective. Bringing clinicians directly to the workplace means employees can step away for 15 minutes, get checked, and return to their tasks without disruption. For shift workers, field staff, or office teams, this ease of access is a game-changer.
2. Trust in the People Delivering Care
Employees want to feel confident that the care they’re receiving is medically credible. Many are hesitant about quick screenings by unqualified personnel. They want reassurance that their health is in expert hands.
Skin Patrol exclusively uses experienced doctors for skin cancer checks, ensuring a higher standard of clinical care. When people know they’re being seen by qualified professionals, participation increases and health outcomes improve.
3. Clear, Straightforward Communication
Health checks can feel intimidating if the process is not explained well.
Employees want clarity:
What will the check involve?
How long will it take?
Will results remain private?
Simple, plain-English communication delivered through posters, reminder emails, or quick team briefings helps employees feel at ease. Avoiding jargon and focusing on the “what to expect” makes health checks approachable rather than overwhelming.
4. Privacy and Respect
For many employees, health is personal. They want to know their appointment will be private, confidential, and respectful. Whether it’s a skin check or flu vaccination, the setting and clinician approach matter.
Providing private rooms or partitioned spaces, alongside calm, professional care, reassures employees that their dignity and confidentiality are protected.
5. A Sense That Their Employer Genuinely Cares
There’s a big difference between a program that feels like a compliance exercise and one that feels like genuine care. Employees want to see that their employer values their wellbeing, not just their productivity.
This is where tone of communication makes a difference. Instead of framing clinics as a requirement, position them as an opportunity for staff to look after themselves, supported by their workplace. Messages like “Your health matters” or “Take 15 minutes for you” create a culture of care rather than obligation.
6. Simplicity in Booking and Reminders
Even the most well-intentioned employee can forget to book. Simple online booking portals, SMS reminders, and clear calls-to-action are key to high uptake.
Skin Patrol provides easy-to-use booking tools and onsite posters, ensuring no one misses out. Making the process frictionless removes excuses and encourages participation.
7. Tangible Outcomes
Employees want to know the time they’ve given is worthwhile. That could mean early detection of a health issue, peace of mind, or clear follow-up steps. When employees walk away feeling reassured and informed, they’re more likely to engage again in future checks.
Providing clear reports, recommendations, or instant reassurance such as “all clear” or “we’ll refer you for further care” gives employees confidence that the check has real value.
8. Flexibility for Different Teams
Every workplace has diverse needs. Office-based employees may prefer scheduled timeslots, while site-based crews may need flexible drop-in availability. Employees appreciate when the program is tailored to their reality rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Customised solutions such as voucher programs for remote staff or staggered booking windows for shift workers show employees that the service is designed with them in mind.
Why Listening to Employees Matters
Low uptake is one of the biggest challenges businesses face with workplace health programs. Even when employers invest heavily, participation can lag if employees do not see personal value. By focusing on what employees actually want such as convenience, trust, privacy, and genuine care, organisations can dramatically improve engagement.
Workplace health checks are not just about ticking a compliance box. They are about creating a safer, healthier workforce where employees feel valued and supported. And when employees trust the process, businesses see stronger participation, better health outcomes, and higher return on investment.
