How Onsite Care Supports Traveling Workers’ Wellbeing
In today’s dynamic work environment, many organizations undertake long-term projects that require a significant portion of their workforce to operate away from their home base. These remote assignments, while essential, can pose unique challenges to employee wellness and wellbeing. Implementing onsite healthcare solutions has emerged as a proactive approach to address these challenges, ensuring that traveling workers remain healthy, supported and productive.
Challenges Faced by Traveling Workers
Isolation from Personal Support Systems
Approximately 30% of workers on extended projects are not local, meaning they live and work away from their personal support networks and regular medical providers. This separation can lead to increased emotional and mental health distress, with some cases escalating to acute mental health crises.
Lack of Familiarity with Local Healthcare Resources
Being in unfamiliar locations, traveling workers often lack knowledge of local medical facilities and in-network providers. In the event of an injury or illness, this unfamiliarity can result in unnecessary emergency department visits, escalating healthcare costs for minor issues.
Neglect of Routine Health Maintenance
Extended periods away from primary care providers mean that routine health check-ups are often missed. This neglect increases the risk of undiagnosed conditions, potentially affecting both the health and productivity of employees.
Implementing Onsite Healthcare Solutions
To mitigate these challenges, organizations can establish onsite clinics that offer comprehensive health services directly at the worksite. For instance, partnering with providers like Medcor enables the deployment of onsite clinics staffed with full-time medical professionals and wellness coaches. These clinics not only deliver immediate care for work-related injuries but also guide employees toward resources that support their overall mental and physical health.
Addressing Mental Health Needs
Recognizing the importance of mental wellbeing, Medcor initiated a partnership with a local mental health clinic. A trial phase involved a certified counselor being available at the onsite clinic three days a week, resulting in a 55% utilization rate. This initiative provided crucial support to employees experiencing mental health crises. Following the trial, the health and wellness program was adjusted to twice a week for four hours per day, maintaining a consistent utilization rate.
Real-World Success: Mortenson’s Recognition with the Theo Award
In 2024, Mortenson, a leading construction firm, was honored with the inaugural Theo Award for its exceptional workers’ compensation program and injury prevention efforts. This recognition highlights Mortenson’s commitment to employee wellbeing, particularly through its innovative onsite medical and mental health care services for traveling workers.
Medcor played a pivotal role in this achievement by partnering with Mortenson to implement comprehensive onsite healthcare solutions. These services addressed the unique challenges faced by traveling employees, ensuring they had immediate access to medical and mental health support. This collaboration not only enhanced worker wellbeing but also contributed to reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity.
The success of this partnership underscores the importance of integrating onsite healthcare services to support traveling workers effectively. By prioritizing employee health and safety, organizations can foster a more engaged and resilient workforce, leading to recognition and accolades such as the Theo Award.
Benefits of Onsite Healthcare for Traveling Workers
Immediate Access to Care
Onsite clinics ensure that employees receive prompt medical attention, reducing the need for offsite medical visits and minimizing downtime. This immediate access is crucial for both injury treatment and preventive care.
Enhanced Mental Health Support
Providing accessible mental health services onsite allows employees to address issues proactively, reducing the likelihood of crises and promoting overall wellbeing. Implementing effective mental health programs in construction and similar lines of business can help support your team’s wellbeing onsite, fostering safety and productivity.
Cost Efficiency
By reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and facilitating early intervention, onsite clinics help control healthcare costs for both employees and employers.
Improved Productivity
Healthy employees are more productive. Onsite healthcare services contribute to reduced absenteeism and increased focus, benefiting the organization’s bottom line.
Prioritize Traveling Worker Health and Wellness with Medcor
Integrating onsite healthcare solutions is a strategic approach to support the wellbeing of traveling workers. By addressing both physical and mental health needs directly at the worksite, organizations can foster a healthier, more engaged and productive workforce. Providers like Medcor offer tailored onsite services that meet the unique challenges faced by remote or traveling employees, ensuring they remain connected to essential health resources, regardless of their location.