WBJ:This year’s report, “Work. Health. Economy. Outlook 2025” by Medicover, contains a wealth of data on the broadly understood health of employees in Poland. Did anything in particular surprise you?
Dr Artur Białkowski: Yes, certainly. We were positively surprised by the decrease in abnormal blood glucose and cholesterol levels. This clearly shows that prevention works – and that it can deliver results within a relatively short time frame. It is also interesting that although awareness that maintaining good health depends on physical activity has risen by over 5% since 2022, only one third of employees are physically active to an extent that has a positive impact on their health.
There is, however, a flip side – mental health. Psychiatric consultations have increased by 49% and psychological consultations by 19% compared to 2022. More than half of all employees experience mental overload. This is now the fastest-growing cause of absence from work.
What most often prevents companies from implementing medical benefit packages?
Two main factors: the perception of health as a cost, and the absence of a coherent health strategy. Our data show that comprehensive medical care generates savings of approximately PLN 1,650 per employee per year. On a national scale, this translates to more than PLN 28 billion. This is not a cost – it is an investment that pays back very quickly.
What three immediate action points should every employer implement?
First, fast access to diagnostics. Second, secondary prevention and screening programs. Third, mental health support and access to health-promoting physical activity in the workplace as a standard, not as a discretionary benefit.
Which indicators show that a corporate health program is effective?
First, the average duration of sick leave – in our case, it is 4.2 days compared to 10 days according to ZUS statistics. Second, the rate of preventive care utilization. For example, 85% of patients with access to dental services attend regular check-ups. Third, the reduction of presenteeism, meaning people who work while unwell, which significantly lowers productivity and ultimately leads to increased absenteeism.
“Clinically, the benefits appear almost immediately; economically, within a year”
Only one-third of employees meet WHO recommendations for physical activity. Why is this the case?
Low levels of physical activity among employees represent an alarming trend that directly translates into rising healthcare costs. The problem is complex and results from time constraints, social barriers (particularly visible among women), and limited access to appropriate sports infrastructure in the workplace. At Medicover, we approach this issue systemically, integrating physical activity with occupational medicine and preventive care. Within the “Zdrowa OdWaga” (Healthy Courage) program, we offer personalized training plans for people at increased risk, identified through preventive screenings. In addition, the Medicover Sport package facilitates access to diverse forms of exercise tailored to individual preferences and capabilities. We also promote a flexible working model, which, as our data shows, supports increased physical activity. What is crucial here is evidence-based communication: regular physical activity leads to concrete benefits such as reduced absenteeism, lower cardiovascular risk and potentially extended healthy life expectancy.
Does the work environment contribute to weight gain?
Unfortunately, yes. Sedentary work, stress and irregular eating habits all contribute to increasing body weight. This is why we consistently advocate for the systemic implementation of physical activity and health education in the workplace. The “Healthy Courage” program I mentioned can be a key component of a company’s health strategy, offering participants improved physical fitness, reduced health risks, better quality of life and increased productivity.
How long does it take for companies to see the effects of such a program?
Clinically – almost immediately. Economically – full evaluation takes place after one year. However, a reduction in absenteeism is already visible after just one quarter.
Does the return on investment in health differ between sectors?
Our report does not break down ROI by individual industries, but it clearly shows that comprehensive healthcare delivers financial benefits across all sectors. Health challenges do differ depending on the industry. For example, in sectors with a high share of physical work, such as manufacturing, programs focused on injury prevention and musculoskeletal health are crucial. In contrast, in the IT sector, where mental work predominates, mental health and stress reduction initiatives may be more significant.
We understand these differences and tailor health programs to the specific characteristics of each employee group – whether physical or knowledge workers, younger or older, working remotely or on-site. By addressing the specific health challenges of each sector or group, we ensure the highest possible return on this investment.
Finally – what single step should employers and employees take tomorrow morning?
Employers should begin treating the health of their teams as strategic capital. Rather than limiting their actions to ad hoc interventions, it is essential to create a comprehensive health strategy in which prevention and physical activity play a central role, and rapid access to medical care becomes the norm. The foundation of effective action is a reliable baseline diagnosis – measuring key indicators such as absenteeism and benefit utilization.
Employees, in turn, should actively take responsibility for their health, treating it as an investment in their future – not only at work, but beyond. This means scheduling preventive check-ups to monitor key metabolic parameters and introducing more physical activity into everyday life. Small but consistent changes in lifestyle will bring long-term benefits.
