The impact of onsite clinics on employee happiness, health, and cost reduction

Learn how employer-sponsored onsite clinics reduce costs, boost employee happiness, and enhance health outcomes

An employer-sponsored health center, or an onsite clinic, is a dedicated healthcare facility located within or near the workplace, providing employees convenient access to medical services. Investing in a primary care strategy such as this is an intelligent move to foster a proactive approach to employee well-being. This commitment enhances workforce health and happiness and yields lasting benefits for the employer by reducing absenteeism, increasing productivity, and mitigating long-term healthcare costs. 

Keep reading to delve into the profound advantages of onsite clinics, uncovering their positive impact on employee satisfaction, overall health, and substantial cost savings for businesses.

Employee health improvements

Employer-sponsored clinics streamline employee access to healthcare services by eliminating the need to travel far away to medical offices and hospitals. This convenience and increased access to primary care are pivotal in encouraging individuals to seek timely medical attention and utilize a diverse range of healthcare provisions. Employees can conveniently schedule appointments during breaks or before or after work hours, minimizing disruptions to their daily routines.
 

A Business Group on Health report revealed that employees who use employer-sponsored near-site or onsite clinics miss fewer workdays and are more likely to adhere to preventive care measures. [1] With services ranging from routine check-ups to acute care, preventive screenings, and wellness programs, onsite clinics offer comprehensive medical support tailored to employees’ needs. This accessibility saves valuable time and promotes a proactive approach to healthcare, resulting in higher engagement with medical services and improved overall health outcomes.   

Ultimately, the ease of access provided by onsite clinics fosters a culture of wellness and preventive care within the workforce, contributing to enhanced employee satisfaction and productivity.

Onsite clinics improving happiness in the workplace 

Onsite clinics are vital in cultivating a positive work culture centered around employee well-being, fostering a sense of value and care. By providing accessible healthcare services, employers demonstrate a genuine commitment to their employees’ health, creating a supportive environment beyond professional duties. 

Implementing onsite clinics has significantly increased the utilization of preventive services among employees. For example, a study found that the utilization of preventive services significantly increased for both women and men employees by 9% and 14%, respectively, one year after the implementation of the onsite clinic​​. [2]

Employees who feel valued and supported in their health are likelier to remain loyal to an organization, resulting in a more stable and satisfied workforce. Employers increasingly see onsite clinics as a way to provide convenient, quality, and cost-effective primary care to employees and their family members. Thus, onsite clinics are a cornerstone in establishing a holistic, employee-centric approach that enhances well-being and retention.

Related resource: 
Seven employer onsite health clinic myths debunked by our team

Cost reductions for employers 

Onsite clinics go beyond immediate medical needs by emphasizing preventive care through vaccinations and wellness programs. This proactive approach to employee health fosters a healthier workforce and is a crucial cost-saving measure for employers. By funding preventive care, businesses can mitigate the risk of more serious medical issues, ultimately reducing the long-term cost of healthcare for both the employer and the employee. 

The availability of onsite clinics removes the necessity for employees to visit external primary care medical facilities, reducing the amount of work time lost. This increased accessibility enhances employee productivity by eliminating travel-related disruptions and encourages regular health check-ups, preventing potential health issues from escalating.

Investing in onsite clinics becomes a strategy to promote preventive care, improve overall health, and concurrently contribute to long-term cost reduction and heightened productivity.

“Healthcare should exist to prevent, maintain, and better the health of individuals. Because of the established system of “care,” we have lost the “health” of our health care system. The funding of primary care matters to how, if, or when people receive care and if providers are incentivized to provide quality, patient-centric care. How primary care is funded varies worldwide, with systems managed at the government and institutional levels. The US has an especially complex and expensive healthcare system where the financial incentives are misaligned, to say the least. 

In order to prioritize patients, the system needs to become geared towards outcomes and allow for more time spent with primary care providers. Companies need to become champions of their employees’ long-term health and wellness. Employers must invest in proven, long-term health solutions to protect the long-term viability of their health plan, a significant line item expenditure. 

One response to these challenges is an increasing trend of employer-sponsored onsite clinics offering primary care, which have grown in both prevalence and the scope of services provided over the years. In these situations, an entity such as WeCare tlc is directly accountable for implementing solutions and proving value through partnerships with our clients. We are also directly accountable to our patients. This aspect of providing health is both what makes our jobs at WeCare tlc equally challenging and rewarding.” 

— Raegan Le Douaron., WeCare tlc President & CEO

Related resource: 
How employers can control health care costs through wellness programs

The importance of independent primary care 

Operating independent primary care centers is essential for ensuring that healthcare delivery is primarily patient-focused, unencumbered by the constraints and conflicts of interest inherent in systems owned by larger health entities. The independence of these centers allows for a more personalized, effective healthcare experience, where decisions are made in the patient’s best interest rather than influenced by a parent organization’s financial and strategic goals. 

This model supports a proactive approach to healthcare, emphasizing preventive care and the management of chronic conditions in a way that is both cost-effective and aligned with the genuine health needs of the population. The effectiveness of primary care is significantly enhanced when it operates independently, as it prioritizes patient well-being and outcome optimization.  

Ready to partner with WeCare tlc? 

As a privately owned company with 20 years of experience, WeCare tlc prioritizes your organization’s and employees’ well-being. Through a physician-led approach, we pledge to collaborate closely with your organization and proactively manage healthcare costs. Our commitment involves providing exceptional primary care services through our onsite, near-site, and collaborative health centers, ensuring that your employees receive top-notch medical attention.

Ready to control health care costs and cultivate a culture that values wellness?
Contact us today or explore our case studies to learn more.

Sources:
1: Business Group Health | 2021 Large Employers’ Health Care Strategy and Plan Design Survey
2: National Library of Medicine | Impact of an Onsite Clinic on Utilization of Preventive Services