The biggest misconceptions about medical screening in the workplace

Investment vs cost: the ROI of a healthy employee team

One of the most common and persistent misconceptions associated with medical screening is that it is merely a cost is. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course. In today's labour market, where there is a so-called 'war of talent' and the retirement age is rising, absence prevention is crucial for your business continuity. When you invest in a medical screening At Medical Centre, you invest in:

• Lower sickness or absenteeism costs: Early detection of health risks such as burnout, cardiovascular disease or diabetes prevents employees from dropping out for months.
• Employer branding: Companies that actively engage in staff health are seen as attractive employers by new candidates.
• Productivity: Fit employees have higher concentration and more resilience in the workplace.

Navigating the law: what are the rules for medical screening in the workplace?

For many HR departments, the legislation surrounding medical screening feels like a maze. It is essential to distinguish between statutory health surveillance and the comprehensive, complementary preventive medical check-ups of the Medical Centre.

Is a medical examination mandatory during working hours?

Yes. According to Belgian legislation mandatory health surveillance must take place during working hours. The time the employee spends on this is considered working time and must also be compensated accordingly. Any travel expenses are also the employer's responsibility.

Who is subject to these rules?

Not every employee is subject to mandatory checks. The law requires that only employees with a safety, heightened vigilance or defined risk job, such as chemical agents or physical stress, are subject to periodic health surveillance. In addition, the examination is done upon returning to work after an absence of at least four weeks.

Pitfalls for the employer regarding medical screening

A 'grave error' in the context of medical screenings can lead to legal proceedings or heavy fines. Key pitfalls are:

• Breach of medical confidentiality: An employer should never request medical diagnoses from their employees. The specialist doctor only communicates whether an employee is fit or unfit for the job. Personal information is shared only with the patient themselves, not their employer.
• Privacy breaches (GDPR): Medical data should not be kept in the standard personnel file. But the employer does not get access to it. All personal info is discussed between the doctor and the employee. The employer receives a general health report from all employees, in order to have a picture of the general health of the staff.
• Wrongful denial of pay: Not paying for the hours during which the employee undergoes the medical examination is a direct breach of labour law.

At Medical Centre, we work as your expert health partner. We guard the line between what you as an employer need to know and what is covered by medical confidentiality and Belgian labour law falls.

The medical examination: efficiency and depth

At Medical Centre, we offer an in-depth look at the health of your team. A medical screening is modular and includes the following core components:

• Anamnesis and clinical examination: A detailed discussion with the doctor about your employees' medical history, family risk factors and current physical health conditions. This is the start of the medical screening.
• Biometric measurements: Analysis of blood pressure, BMI, fat percentage and vision testing.
• Cardiovascular screening: An electrocardiogram at rest to detect arrhythmias or other cardiac risks early.
• Comprehensive lab tests: Analysis of blood and urine on parameters such as cholesterol, blood sugar (diabetes risk), liver and kidney functions.
• Lifestyle and mental resilience: Evaluation of stress levels, sleep patterns and exercise. Especially essential in preventing burnout in your employees.

Maximum flexibility at our centre or on your shop floor

Efficiency is a priority for you as an employer. That is why the Medical Centre offers two options:

1. At our centre in Berchem, Antwerp: At our location on the Singel, you enjoy a 'one-stop shop'. Thanks to our own radiology and cardiology facilities your employees are ready in one go.
2. On the shop floor (on-site): We come to you. For larger groups, we can organise medical screenings entirely on the shop floor. This minimises production losses and travel time for your staff.

The power of health data for your HR strategy

Although the individual files are private, as a company you receive a group report. This data is golden for your HR department. Do you see a trend in increased stress levels or physical complaints in a certain department? Then you can take targeted action with ergonomic adjustments or well-being programmes, even before absenteeism effectively rises.

Conclusion: Medical Centre, your partner in medical screenings

A medical screening is the most powerful insurance for the continuity of your business. Whether you opt for screening at our centre in Antwerp or a mobile team of doctors at your own workplace, you strengthen your team and invest in preventive healthcare. Want to take your health policy to the next level? Ask here request your quote without obligation or contact us for a consultation.